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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS, % 



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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. ) 



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OUR BOND OF UNION. 

We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, believing 
in Freedom, Fellowship and Character in Religion, asso- 
ciate ourselves together as members of the First Unitarian 
Church, of Sioux City, for the maintenance of united 
worship and the promotion of Truth, Righteousness and 
Love. 

Adopted January 18, 1886. 



TEN YEARS 
1885 1895 

OF THE 

4ftr$t Unitarian ©hurctj 

OF 

Sioux City, Iowa. 



[TH* LIBRARY] 

jwASHIWOTOMl 



SIOUX CITY 
GLOBE PRINTING COMPANY 
4TH AND PEARL 



CONTENTS. 



Bond of Union Second page of cover 

Audience Room of the Church Frontispiece 

Articles of Incorporation 5 

By-Laws 8 

Report of the Board of Trustees 9 

Officers and Committees 19 

Dedication of Unity Church • 20 

The Unity Club 24 

The Sunday School 38 

The Young Peoples' Societies 44 

The Religious Study Class 49 

The Unity Circle , . . . 50 

The Helping Hand 65 

The Ministers' Report 68 

Dedication of Children 75 

Portrait of Dr. Smith ; Insert, between pages 76 and 77 

In Memoriam i 77 

Annual Parish Meeting 79 

Important dates 85 

Notes, Hints and Reminisences 86 

Our Church Home 91 

Our Church Fellowship and Membership 93 

Parish List 94 

The Faith and Spirit of the Unitarian Church of to-day 105 

Errata: On page 11 — Instead of April 1, read April 5. 

On page 46— The Young People's Union formed Jan. 14, 

1894, adopted articles of organization in July, same year. 
On page 66 — Read, Church Door Pulpit, instead of Church 

Door, Pulpit. 

PUBLISHERS NOTE. 

The publication Committee tenders its thanks for valuable as- 
sistance rendered in the preparation of this manual, to Mrs. S. F. 
Lynn, Mrs. Henry C. Young, Miss Adele Fuchs, Miss Jennie Hoff- 
man, and to Messrs. F. Follett and O. P. McCray. In an under- 
taking of this kind, it is fully recognized that imperfections must 
appear and omissions occur. There are deeds and names which the 
committee would fain have recalled and recorded, for which it had 
on data. For all shortcomings it must apologize in advance, 
bespeaking the kindly consideration and forbearance of the reader. 

Mary A. Safford. George W. Walefield. 

Elinor E. Gordon. E. H. Bucknam. 

Mrs. Melida Pappe. 



CALENDAR. 



' ' Open thine eyes to see 
The good in store for thee — 
New love, new thought, neiu service too, 
For Him 20 ho daily maketh thy life new." 

F. L. Hosmer. 

ONCE A WEEK. 

Sunday — Morning Service 10:30 a. m. 

Sunday School 12:00 m. 

Young People's Religious Union. . .6:15 p. m. until May 1. 

Evening Service 7:30 p. m. until May 1. 

After May 1, Union meets at 6:45 p. m. Service at 8 p. m. 

Monday — Sunday School Teachers' Meeting 7:30 p. m. 

Tuesday — Ministers "At Home" Afternoon and evening. 

Wednesday — Unity Circle from 3 p. m to 4 p. m. 

Friday — Psychology Class 4 p. m. 

Saturday — Unity Club 8 p. M. to 9:30 p. m. 

ONCE A MONTH. 

First Sunday — Trustees meet at 4 p. m. 

Second Wednesday — Supper at 6 p. m., followed by Sociable 



ONCE A YEAR. 

Opening Service September 1 

Harvest Service September 29 

Thanksgiving Service. November 24 

Christmas Service December 22 

Easter Service April 5 

Patriotic Service . May 30 

Flower Service June 21 



First meeting of Unity Circle September 4 

First meeting of History Section of Unity Club October 5 

First meeting of Poetry Section of Unity Club October 12 

Annual Fair First week in December 

Sunday School Christmas Festival December 24 

Sunday School Picnic June 

The ladies of Unity Circle "receive" in church parlors from 

3 to 5 p. m Wednesdays, Oct. 30, Jan. 29, Apr. 29 



Articles of 



Incorporation. 



Know all men by these presents, that we the undersigned hereby 
associate ourselves and agree to become a corporation under chapter 
two (2), article nine (9) of the Code of Iowa of 1843, and amend- 
ments thereto, and for that purpose we have adopted, agreed to and 
signed the following Articles of Incorporation: 

ARTICLE I. 

The name of this Corporation shall be The First Unitarian 
Church, of Sioux City, Iowa. 

ARTICLE II. 

The object of this Corporation shall be to promote united 
thought and action in the study and practice of Christianity. 

ARTICLE III. 

This Corporation shall commence on the 11th day of March, 
1885, and the members thereof shall be the undersigned, together 
with such other persons as now are or may hereafter be admitted 
as members of the First Unitarian Church Society or Association of 
Sioux City, Iowa, and such other persons as now are contributing or 
may hereafter contribute annually to the support of this Corpo- 
ration. 



6 



UNITY CHURCH. 



ARTICLE IV. 

The business of this Corporation shall be conducted by a Board 
of seven Trustees, who shall be elected annually by the members,, 
on the first Wednesday in April, and shall hold for one year, or 
until their successors are elected and qualified. Until the first- 
Wednesday in July, 1885, such business shall be conducted by a. 
provisional Board of seven, to-wit: William R. Smith, A. Groninger, 
E. H. Bucknam, G. R. Badgerow, A. L. Hudson, C. L. Wright, and 
G. W. Wakefield. 

ARTICLE V. 

The Board of Trustees shall elect from their number a Presi- 
dent, and from the members a Secretary and Treasurer of the Board 
of the Corporation, appoint subordinate officers, fill vacancies in 
said Board, call special meetings of the members, and do any and 
all things necessary for the transaction of the business of the Cor- 
poration. 

Written contracts and conveyances of the Corporation shall be 
signed by the President and attested by the Secretary, and in cases 
of instruments requiring an acknowledgment, the same shall be 
made by the President in the name of the Corporation, 

ARTICLE VI. 

This Corporation shall have power, by its corporate name, to 
contract and be contracted with, sue and be sued, take, hold and 
convey real, personal and mixed property, and adopt such Regula- 
tions and By-Laws for its government, not inconsistent herewith, as 
may be determined at any regular business meeting. 

ARTICLE VII. 

This Corporation is not for the pecuniary benefit of its members, 
and the private property of the members shall in no case be liable 
for Corporate debts. 

ARTICLE VIII. 

The duties of the several officers of this Corporation shall be 
such as are usually performed by like officers in similar Corpora- 
tions, and orders on the Treasurer shall be drawn by the Secretary. 



UNITY CHURCH. 



ARTICLE IX. 

The annual meeting of the members shall be held on the first 
Wednesday of April in each year, and at all meetings each member 
shall be entitled to one vote. 

Regular business meetings of the members of the Corporation 
may be held upon the call of the Board, whereof public notice shall 
be given from the desk on two successive Sundays immediately pre- 
ceeding such meetings, or in case there shall be no public services 
held in such church, then by such notice being posted on the out- 
side door of its house of worship for at least ten days prior to such 
meeting. 

ARTICLE X. 

These Articles may be amended at any annual meeting of the 
members, by a vote of two-thirds of the members present. 

Witness our hands, this eleventh day of March, A. D. 1885. 
Wm. R. Smith. A. Groninger. 

E. H. Bucknam. G. R. Badgerow. 

A. L. Hudson. Craig L. Wright. 

G. W. Wakefield. 
STATE OF IOWA \ 

COUNTY OF WOODBURY. \ 

Be it remembered, that on the eleventh day of April, A. D., 
1885, before the undersigned, Leighton Wynn, a Notary Public of 
Iowa, in and for Woodbury County, came Wm. R. Smith, A. Gron- 
inger, E. H. Bucknam, G. R. Badgerow, A. L. Hudson, Craig L. 
Wright and G. W. Wakefield, to me personally known to be the 
identical persons whose names are affixed to the foregoing Articles 
of Incorporation, as Corporators, and acknowledged the instrument 
to be their voluntary act and deed, and that they executed the same 
for the purpose therein mentioned. 

Witness my hand and notarial seal the day and year last above 
written. 



Leighton Wynn, 

Notary Public. 



8 



UNITY CHURCH. 



By-Laws. 



ARTICLE I. 

Regular meetings of the Unitarian Society shall be held on the 
first Sundays in June, November and January, and the last Sunday 
in August. 

ARTICLE II. 

At each annual meeting the following committees of three mem- 
bers each shall be appointed to serve for one year, viz: Committee 
on Printing, committee on Hospitality, committee on care of Church 
Building, and committee on Music. 

ARTICLE III. 

No person under sixteen years of age shall be entitled to vote at 
the meetings of the society. 



THE CHURCH 
AND ITS ACTIVITIES. 

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. 

" Responsibility walks hand in hand with capacity and power." 

To the casual observer, or to one as unused as the 
writer to anything like church organization, church work 
or ways in. January, 1885, there seemed little demand or 
material for a liberal church in Sioux City. 

And yet the field was then dead ripe for the harvest. 
The harvester had his eye on the field, though it may be 
doubted if even he, had an adequate idea of the results 
which would so speedily follow his work and words ; of 
the quick and hearty response which would so soon be 
given to his logical argument, clear reasoning and elo- 



10 



UNITY CHURCH. 



quent speech. To the Rev. Oscar Clutch then of Iowa 
City, should be given the honor of discerning the field 
and the opportunity; and the first real effort on the part 
of friends of the liberal faith in Sioux City dates to his 
coming, February 1, 1885= Sunday, February 8, 1885, 
after morning service in our county court house (which 
has been and still is the seat of various kinds of gospel 
as of law) the first steps were taken towards organizing 
a Unitarian society. 

The first record shows that J. C. C. Hoskins was 
chairman of a meeting at which Dr. Wm. R. Smith was 
selected as head of a committee to form and report a plan 
for a church organization, and Miss B. Wakefield as the 
head of another committee to organize a Sunday School. 

On the following Sunday, after preaching by the 
Rev. S. S. Hunting, of DesMoines. the committee re- 
ported "that with due appreciation of the noble work 
done by other churches and charitable societies, the 
wants of the city demand the establishment of a society 
for the promotion of liberal religious thought/' and rec- 
ommended as one of the first requisites of success, that 
"it be placed upon a firm and substantial business basis." 
Acting upon this suggestion, a provisional Board of 
Directors was at once appointed. This Board organized 
by electing Dr. ,Wm. R. Smith President, and E. H. 
Bucknam Secretary. 

At a meeting of this Board February 20, at the sug- 
gestion of our present chairman of building committee, 
Mr. Badgerow (to whose practical suggestions and keen 
appreciation of the value of opportunities, the society is 
much indebted), with a faith in the future growth which 
may possibly be claimed as characteristic of citizens of 
this city, before any societ}/ was fairly organized, or it 
was shown there would be funds to meet it except 



UNITY CHURCH 



11 



as the trustees themselves might assume the responsi- 
bility, it was decided to purchase the building located at 
the corner of Sixth and Douglas streets, then known as 
the skating rink. March 11. 1885, Articles of Incorpo- 
ration presented by judge Wakefield were adopted, 
signed and placed on hie. and the First Unitarian Church 
of Sioux City, became a corporate body, though by no 
means (in the judgment of its friends and demonstrated, 
we think, by its works) a soulless Corporation. 

The Trustees of the Corporation thus organized 
were Dr. Wm. R. Smith, Judge G. W. Wakefield, A. 
Groninger, C. L. Wright, G. A. Badgerow, A*. L. Hud- 
son and E. H. Bucknam. Mr. E. H. Stone, cashier of 
the First National Bank, was chosen as Treasurer. 

The skating rink, bought by the Trustees, was quickly 
reconstructed, and on April 1, Easter Sunday, was ap- 
propriately dedicated by Mr. Clute. Costing originally 
$900.00, about the same amount was expended in trans- 
forming it into the home-like and convenient place of 
worship which it proved to be, serving well its purpose 
as the cradle of a young and growing society, a real 
church home to many who never expected to find a home 
in a church. 

The society was fortunate in having among its first 
and warmest supporters, musicians of such skill as Miss. 
Adele Fuchs and Mr. Jesse Cunningham, so that at once, 
by the employment of Mr. C. E. Dennis as tenor, and 
Mrs. Kate Cheney as soprano, a quartette choir of 
marked excellence added to the Church service, music of 
high order. To the steadfastness, zeal and hard work of 
Miss Fuchs and Mr. Cunningham, who, throughout all 
changes, at the end of our first decade, are still at their 
posts in the choir, the Church owes more than it knows but 
not more than it surely and heartily appreciates. It is with 
deep regret that now it must part with Miss Fuchs. 



12 



UNITY CHURCH. 



On the 24th of May the records show that the Rev. 
Mary Safford, of Humboldt, Iowa, came to supply the 
pulpit for two Sundays. She came by the advice and 
request of Mr. Clute, though somewhat, it must be con- 
fessed, against the judgment of the Trustees, who feared 
that it might be inexpedient to allow a woman in our 
pulpit. But she came; we listened, and the later record 
shows that after preaching by Miss Mary A. Safford, of 
Humboldt, Iowa, May 24 and 31, it was decided to call 
her to the pastorate of this Church. The same indi- 
viduals who had been most timid as to the propriety of 
calling a woman, then joined most heartily in making 
the call unanimous. It is needless to remark that after 
ten years of her ministry this Church especially rejoices 
in the wisdom of that choice. During the two weeks 
of her stay, inspired by her zeal, and that of her co- 
worker, Miss Gordon, the young society extended an invi- 
tation to the Iowa Association of Unitarian Churches to 
hold its Summer Conference in Sioux City. The invita- 
tion was accepted, and from July 1 to 5, 1885, the Con- 
ference was held. Leading ministers from abroad, 
notably the Rev. H. M. Simmons, of Minneapolis, and 
Jenkin Lloyd Jones, of Chicago, helped to make better 
known the newer, firmer faith for which this society 
stands. Hence, when Miss Safford, accompanied by 
Miss Gordon, commenced her pastorate, September 6, 
1885, she found waiting her coming a goodly congrega- 
tion ready and glad to follow her leadership; so that 
later on, it was voted at a meeting of the Trustees "that 
our Pastor be requested to draw up such a form of 
Church membership as she deemed best and most suit-, 
able to present to those who desire to subscribe to same." 
As a result of this request, our ''Bond of Union" (shown 
elsewhere in this book), prepared by her, was presented 



UNITY CHURCH. 



13 



after evening service. January 18, 1886, and then signed 
by twenty-six persons. 

It is worthy of note, that during the first three 
months of Miss Safford's pastorate, notable examples of 
the work of women in the pulpit were furnished bv these 
eloquent women of the Unitarian household of faith, Mrs. 
Mary A. Livermore and Mrs. Julia Ward Howe, who 
preached to large congregations on November 15 and 
November 1, respectively. 

At an appropriate Thanksgiving service, on Sunday, 
November 29, 1885, in response to an eloquent and earn- 
est appeal from Miss Safford to extinguish the floating 
debt incurred in reconstructing and furnishing the build- 
ing, said debt was duly extinguished by a subscription 
and collection of about $900.00, and as early as January. 
1 886, steps were taken towards a lot for a permanent 
church home. 

In November, 1886, the society purchased from 
Wm. Wells, his property on Douglas street, next block 
north of its building, for the sum of $6,500.00, intending 
to move the building, then standing on leased ground, 
to the new location. In May, 1887, it was deemed inex- 
pedient to do so, and in July the present lot was bought 
for $5,000.00. In April, 1888, inasmuch as it was found 
that something over $12,000.00 could be realized from 
the sale of the Wells property, a conclusion was readily 
reached to sell the same and proceed at once to erect a 
church on this lot. The sale was made, and at or soon 
after the same time the first church home was sold at an 
advance of $100.00 over its purchase price. The plan 
of the present building, submitted by J. W. Martin, 
architect, was adopted, and on July 16, 1888, contract 
to build was let to A. Halseth, the stone foundation 
having been previously let to Messrs. Wilkinson & Co. 



14 



UNITY CHURCH. 



At the beginning of the summer vacation in 1888, 
the little church building that had served so well its pur- 
pose was closed, the furniture and chairs were stored 
till they could be used again in the more commodious 
quarters. During that summer work on the new church 
edifice was rapidly pushed, with the intention of having 
the basement enclosed and furnished for occupancy as 
early in the autumn as possible. It was found that the 
court room could again be procured as a place of meeting 
during the interim. As autumn drew near it was learned 
with deep regret that Miss S afford, owing to illnes, would 
be absent for an indefinite period, and that Miss Gordon 
would remain with her until she could return. The 
society, now strong and well knit together, did not 
permit this disappointment to discourage effort. Through 
the autumn and winter of 1888-89, the pulpit was sup- 
plied in large part by Rev. S. S. Hunting, of DesMoines, 
whose generous service, great helpfulness and devotion 
to the best interests of the society, have won for him a 
lasting place in the memories of all. 

In addition to Mr. Hunting, during the absence of 
our pastor, services were conducted at least for one Sun- 
day each by the Rev. Marion Murdock and Mrs. Vaupel 
Clarke, of Humboldt, Iowa, by Rev. Caroline Bartlett, of 
Sioux Falls, S. D., by Miss Alice Fletcher, whose inter- 
esting story of "Life among the Indians" will long be 
remembered, by Rev. Eliza T.Wilkes, of Dakota, Rev. J. 
N. Effinger, western secretary, Rev. H. T. Lyche, of 
Massachusetts, and Rev. Oscar Clute. 

In the Sioux City Journal of Sunday, December 23, 
1888, it was with great satisfaction that the announce- 
ment of our first meeting in the new building was read, 
and with still greater satisfaction that a goodly congrega- 
tion found its home in the well lighted, neat and com- 
modious lecture room. It was also specially pleasing to 



UNITY CHURCH. 



15 



the Sunday School to be able to meet around a Christmas 
Tree in the new room on Christmas eve. 

Early in March, 1889, much to the gratification of 
the society, Miss Safford with Miss Gordon was able to 
return to her work. At the annual meeting in April of 
that year, committees were appointed to prepare for the 
dedication of the church, and for the meeting of the 
Iowa Conference of Unitarian and other Liberal Churches 
which was appointed for May 5 to 8. At this annual 
meeting Mr. Eri Richardson was chosen as Trustee in 
place of Dr. Smith, whose illness in Eureka would com- 
pel his resignation, while Mr. Wm. Milchrist succeeded 
Mr. Hudson. Mr. Richardson was chosen President of 
the Board of Trustees. 

On Sunday, May 5, 1889, the new church building 
was dedicated, the ceremony also being the opening of 
the State Conference. The seating capacity of the 
church was taxed to its utmost; the audience room and 
parlors made beautiful and most attractive by a profusion 
of flowers. The dedication exercises proved of great 
interest to the large congregation, and were participated 
in by Rev. Marion Murdock, of Humbolt, Rev. S. S. 
Hunting, of Des Moines, Miss Safford, who conducted 
the dedicatory responsive service, and by the Rev. 
Jenkin Lloyd Jones, of Chicago. The Secretary of the 
Church also read the story of the Church, giving its 
history and financial condition up to date. In the even- 
ing another large congregation listened to short addresses 
from visiting ministers on "The Liberal Church." The 
Conference, opened so well, closed its session on the 
evening of Wednesday, May 8, with the ordination of 
Miss Gordon to the ministry, which was a most impress- 
ive ceremony, wherein ordained and welcomed to the 
ranks of the liberal ministry, she took her place as col- 
league with Miss Safford, thus completing in name, a 



16 



UNITY CHURCH. 



partnership in a noble vocation, which had in fact been 
recognized and appreciated during the previous years of 
her devoted service. 

The year 1890, 1891 and 1892 were years of pros- 
perity and growth with the Church in all its work and 
interests. In March, 1892, at a meeting of the Trustees 
it was voted that Miss Safiord be allowed a vacation of 
several months, and a trip to Europe for the benefit of 
her health, impaired by her unremitting devotion to the 
cause she loved so well. She was able to return in Sep- 
tember greatly benefitted by her trip across the sea. 

During the summer vacation of this year the interior 
of the church was tinted and frescoed and put in thorough 
repair. New draperies were added to the parlors, while 
beautiful pictures, illustrating the life of Christ, the gift 
of Mr. and Mrs. Groninger, were hung upon the walls, 
all having been provided for by voluntary subscription, 
and arranged as a surprise to our Pastors on their return 
in September. At the annual meeting in this year the 
Board of Trustees was changed somewhat by the retire- 
ment of Messrs. Richardson and Bucknam and the elec- 
tion of Mrs. John H. Charles and Mr. E. W. Skerry. 
Judge Wakefield was selected as chairman. 

The years 1893 and 1894, with their record of panic, 
strikes and drouth, proved and tested the society in more 
ways than one. Revenues were decreased, valuable 
friends and members moved away. Yet at the annual 
meeting in 1 894 the secretary was able to report that the 
debt of the Church had actually 7 been reduced, and our 
Pastors showed the membership increasing. On the new 
Board of Trustees the women of the Church were more 
formallv (though not more fully) recognized by the elec- 
tion of Mrs. Viola Follett and Mrs. Veta Lynn as Trus- 
tees. The reduction of the church debt and the comple- 
tion of the debt payment on the fine church organ, which 



UNITY CHURCH. 



17 



debt had been assumed by the Unity Circle, was an object 
lesson, the value of which was evident. 

In June, 1894, came the news of the death at his 
home in Des Moines of the Rev. S. S. Hunting. Resolu- 
tions of sympathy and respect were adopted by the Church 
and sent to Mrs. Hunting, who later on presented to the 
Society a fine likeness of her husband, which now has its 
place in the church parlor. 

In July of this year came the death of Dr. Wm. A. 
Smith, our first president, and always steadfast friend 
and benefactor; a loyal worker in our cause; a citizen, 
known, loved and respected not only in his own church 
but throughout the city and state. His loss to us was 
and is deeply felt and sincerely mourned. Appropriate 
resolutions were framed by the Trustees at their meeting, 
and placed on our records, copies of which were sent to his 
family and to the press. A fine likeness, presented by Mrs. 
Smith hangs on the walls of our church parlor, recalling 
constantly to the memory of his many friends those ster- 
ling qualities which won for him a lasting place in all 
hearts. Green may his memory be to all who came with- 
in the ever expanding circle of his kindly influence. 

In October of this year (1894) the Church again wel- 
comed for the third time in its history the State Confer- 
ence, which proved the largest in the history of state 
work, drawing together liberal forces from all parts of 
the Northwest — from Nebraska, Iowa and other states. 
In November a complete system of electric lighting was 
put in the church by Mrs. Caroline Groninger and her 
sister, Mrs. Julia Haner, as a memorial offering and trib- 
ute to the memory of their father and mother, Mr. 'and 
Mrs. Reinke. A special service with sermon on Light by 
Miss Gordon, in appreciation of this generous action, 
marked the turning on of the electric current. 



18 



UNITY CHURCH. 



Most appropriately at Christmas time, after the suc- 
cessful fair, came a donation to the Church from the 
Unity Circle, whereby the debt was reduced some S300 ? 
increasing, however, our obligations to the Circle, which 
only in good will and esteem and service can ever be 
paid. 

In March, 1895, a supper prepared, served and 
managed by the gentlemen of the society, and well ad- 
vertised by them, added to the revenue of the Church 
more than $200, and was a notable success in its line, 
proving that when there is life (in a Church) there is 
hope, even in years of trial and of panic. 

A summary of the reports made at our annual 
meetings for the ten years of the life of the Church show 
that there have been raised in round numbers for general 
expenses, including salaries of Pastors, music and inci- 
dentals, $44,000; and that in addition to this there have 
been expended on the Church building, including its 
furniture and fixtures, $22,000; and for the organ, S3, 000, 
making a total of $69,000. 

This sum has been raised without placing any mort- 
gage on our property. The debt of the Church, now 
$4,700, being attested by a note for that amount, se- 
cured by personal endorsement. Aside from this obli- 
gation, at the close of its first decade of existence, the 
report of the Secretary showed no bill unpaid. During 
the first year — in 1885 — a loan of $900, procured through 
the aid of Rev. J. T. Sunderland (an earl} 7 friend of this 
Church), from the Church Building Association, a loan 
firm of Boston, materially aided the young society. 
This was paid, before it fell due, by the ladies of Unity 
Circle to whom later the money was refunded by the 
Church. With the exception of a memorial offering 
made by Miss Elizabeth Faulkner, of Keene, N. H.. to 
the memory of her brother, Mr. F. Faulkner, an early 



UNITY CHURCH. 



resident of Sioux City, $250, and a donation of $100, 
which came unsolicited from ladies of Dedham, Mass., 
friends of Miss Safford, all of the sums represented in 
the statement above were freely contributed by our 
people here at home, the greater number of whom had 
never up to that spring of 1885, known the Liberal Faith. 
These testify to the appreciation of the lofty ideals set 
before them by their chosen leaders, to the influence of 
their example, and to their own belief in a Gospel of 
common sense and practical usefulness, which puts no 
fetters on the mind, no limit to progress in the field of 
the highest thought, seeks the truth in the light, and 
aims to judge the tree by its fruits. 

E. H. BUCKNAM, 

Secretary. 



OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES. 

Trustees, officers and committees elected April 1895, 
for year ending April 1, 1896, 

Trustees' — Judge G. W, Wakefield, President, A. Groninger, 
Mrs. Viola Follett, Mrs. Veta Lynn, S. Schulein, Jas. F. Toy, G. B. 
Healy. 

Secretary of the Church — E. H. Bucknam. 
Treasurer of the Church — Jas. F. Toy. 

Ushers — O. P. McCray, George Greenwood, Amos Ayres, Alfred 
Young, Lucius Chase, Maxwell Silver, Ray Phillips, Arthur Weir, 
j. J. Sayer. 

Committee on Care of Church — Ray Ph Hips, Mrs. E, S 
Wood, J. Bronkhorst. 

Committee on Music — Mrs. Veta Lynn, I? A. C. Kellogg, j. 
D Hennessy. 

Committee on Hospitality — G. B. Healy H. C. Young, O. 
P. McCray. 

Committee on Printing — Mrs MelidaPapr Wilbra Coleman, 
George Greenwood 



20 



UNITY CHURCH. 



Trustees for 1885-86. 1886-87. 1887-88— Wm. H. Smith, Presi- 
dent, A. Groninger, C. L. Wright, G. W. Wakefield, G. R. Bad- 
gerow, A. L. Hudson, E. H. Bucknam. 

Trustees for 1888-89 — Wm. R. Smith, President, A. Groninger, 
Eri Richardson, G. W. Wakefield, C. L. Wright, G. R. Badgerow,. 
E. H. Bucknam. 

Trustees for 1889-90. 1890-91. 1891-92— Eri Richardson, Presi- 
dent, A. Groninger, C. L.Wright, G. W. Wakefield, G. R. Badgerow, 
Wm. Milchrist, E. H. Bucknam. 

Trustees for 1892-98. 1893-94 — G. W. Wakefield, President, 
A. Groninger, G. R. Badgerow, Mrs. John H. Charles, E. W. 
Skerry, S. Schulein, Wm. Milchrist. 

Trustees for 1894-95— G. W. Wakefield, President. A. Gron- 
inger, S. Schulein, Wm. Milchrist, E. W. Skerry, Mrs. Viola Follett, 
Mrs. Veta Lynn 

Secretary — 10 years — E. H. Bucknam. 

Treasurer-^. H. Stone, to April, 1892, T. J. Stone, April, 
1892, to April, 1895. 



DEDICATION OF UNITY CHURCH, 

SIOUX CITY, IOWA, MAY 5, 1889. 



"Walk in love, endeazwring to keep the 
unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace." 



ORDER OF SERVICES. 



ORGAN. 



Reading of Scriptures, Old and New 

Rev. Marion Mirrdock 

Prayer * Rev. S. S. Hunting 

ANTHEM. 

The Story of Unity Church E. H. Bucknam 

HYMN. 

Sermon Rev. J. LI. Jones, Chicago, 111. 



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21 



ANTHEM. 

dedicatory hymn — Tune "Hamburg." 



Great Over-Soul and Inter-Heart 
Of whom we feel ourselves a 
part. 

To whom all souls forever tend, 
Our father, mother, nearest 
friend ; 

This church, with love, to thee 

we bring, 
And while our spirits inly sing, 
We pray that it may ever be 
A home for all who seek for thee. 



The home of faith in all things true 
A faith that seeks the larger view, 
The home of love that yearns to 
bless, 

The home of truth and righteous- 
ness. 

Long may it stand, the outward sign 
Of that indwelling Life divine 
Which makes thy children truly 
free, 

And draws them ever nearer thee. 

Mary Safford, 



DEDICATION. 

BY MINISTER AND CONGREGATION. 

Minister — Let us dedicate this church to the reverent 
search for Truth, which in all ages entering into holy 
souls maketh them friends of God. 

People - -To the service of the Truth that maketh free, 
that endureth and is always strong, that liveth and com 
quereth forevermore, we dedicate this church. 

Minister — Let us dedicate this church to the promo- 
tion of Righteousness; for what doth the Lord require of 
us but to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly 
with our God. 

People — To the Righteousness that giveth the beauty 
of holiness, whose work is peace, we dedicate this church. 

Minister — Let us dedicate this church to the religion 
of Love, for this is the message that we have heard from 
the beginning, that we should love one another. 



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UNITY CHURCH. 



People — To the Love that giveth life, and hope, 
and faith; the Love that suffereth long and is kind; the 
Love that ever helpeth, never faileth, we dedicate this 
church. 

All — Thus do we dedicate this church to human 
needs and human helpfulness. Thus do we dedicate this 
church to God, the Eternal One, whose divine fatherhood 
and motherhood enfolds all souls forever. 

Minister — Here may worship ever be in spirit and in 
truth. Here may the memory of Jesus and all earth's 
brave and true ones inspire holy thoughts and quicken 
noble deeds. 

People — To this church may every one be welcome. 
Hither may the children love to come. Here may the 
strong renew and consecrate their strength. Here may 
the aged find the peace of God. 

All — Thus may this church ever be, to all who enter 
here, a true religious home, where faith and hope and 
love abide. Peace be within its walls. Peace to us and 
to our children's children here. 

Choir — Glory to God in the highest, 

And on earth peace, good will among men! 
All the ends of the earth shall worship thee, 
And Glorify thy Holy Name! Amen. 

All — O Love Divine, we thank thee for the tender 
care that has brought us to this hour. Bless, we pray 
thee, the work of our hearts and hands. Help us to be 
faithful to our high calling. Guide us by thy spirit ever- 
more. Amen: 

ANTHEM. 
HYMN. 
BENEDICTION. 



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23 



EVENING SERVICE AT 8:00 O'CLOCK. 

ORGAN. 
PRAYER. 
HYMN. 

"the liberal church." 

Its Educational Work Rev. Arthur Beavis 

Anthem O Where Shall Wisdom Be Found. 

Its Missionary Work . , Rev. E. T. Wilkes 

Anthem Cast Thy Bread Upon the Waters 

Its Worship Rev. J. R. Effinger 

Anthem God is a Spirit 

Its Future Rev. J. LI. Jones 

Hymn The Crowning Day 

BENEDICTION. 



On Monday evening the Eleventh Annual Confer- 
ence of Unitarian and other Independent Churches of 
Iowa began holding its sessions in the new church. 

The conference closed Wednesday evening, May 8, 
with the Ordination of Miss Gordon. The sermon was 
given by Miss Murdock, the prayer by Miss Safford, the 
Charge to the Minister by S. S. Hunting and the 
Right Hand of Fellowship by J. LI. Jones. 



24 



UNITY CHURCH. 



THE UNITY CLUB. 

"Culture is the Handmaid of Religion." 

The Unity Club was organized by Mary A. Safford 
and Elinor E. Gordon, in November, 1885, for literary 
and ethical study. 

The first year, 1885-86, was one of organization and 
labor, in awakening an interest in its object and purposes. 
There were enrolled as members this first year besides 
its organizers, before named, the following: A. L. Hud- 
son, H. J.' Taylor, Geo. W. Oberholtzer. J. C. C. Hos- 
kins, Lelia Patterson, Wm. M. Stevens and E. H. Buck- 
nam. A. L. Hudson was the first President, and Miss 
Lelia Patterson was the first Secretary and Treasurer. 

The work of the Club was, at the beginning, divided 
into two sections, each section pursuing a separate and 
distinct line of thought or study, from the other. 

The meetings were weekly; the sections alternating. 
The year began about October and closed about the 
following April, excepting that a banquet, in which both 
sections joined, was held in June. This course pursued 
the first year has been adhered to ever since. These 
sections for 1885-86 were called the "Citizen and Neigh- 
bor'' section, with Henry J. Taylor as leader throughout 
the year, and the "Lowell" section, with various leaders 
chosen or appointed from time to time during the year. 

The membership was not large, but those who at- 
tended the meetings gave their best energies to the ad- 
vancement of the Club, and found its work interesting 
and instructive. The year was formally closed with a 
banquet, at the church on Sixth street, June 10, 1886, at 
which, after the feast, a series of toasts were presented, 
A. L. Hudson acting as toast master, as follows: 

The Unity Club J. C.-C. Hoskins 

Our Practical Member Mary A. Safford 



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Our Never Absent Member 



Lelia Patterson 



Our Silent Member 
Our Ideal Member. 
I Don't Know 



Elinor E. Gordon 
.Wm. M. Stevens 
. . E. H. Bucknam 



The Poet Lowell. 
The Good Citizen 



Rosa A. Oberholtzer 



Henry J. Taylor 



The banquet, the toasts and responses were well re- 
ceived by the members and their guests, and the future 
of the Club was assured. 

The second year, 1886-87, opened with much prom- 
ise. A. L. Hudson, President, and Lelia Patterson, Sec- 
retary and Treasurer, were re-elected. Henry J. Taylor 
and Mary A. Safford were chosen leaders of the u Social 
Science" section, and Mrs. E. H. Bucknam and Wm. M. 
Stevens, leaders of the "Poetry" section. 

This year's work was very satisfactory to the mem- 
bers, and the second annual banquet was held at the 
Hotel Booge, June 16, 1887. Toasts and responses were 
again given, A. L. Hudson acting as toast master. The 
subjects and names of those responding were as follows: 

Our Club Elinor E. Gordon 

Our Leader - Rosa A. Oberholtzer 

Formers and Reformers Dr. Wm. R. Smith 

The Inner Circle Mrs. L. M. Wyckoff 

The Outer Circle E. H. Bucknam 

The Present Time Geo. W. Wakefield 

Our Oldest Member Dell Johnson 

Poetry and Science Dr. R. H. Brown 

The third year, 1887-88, the Club felt so sure of its 
future that at the beginning a program for the entire 
year was prepared and printed for distribution, making 
an eight page pamphlet, with this sentiment on the 
cover: 



"There let us breathe and happily institute 
A course of learning and ingenious studies." 

Taming of the Shrew. 



26 



UNITY CHURCH. 



The officers were Dr. R. H. Brown. President; Ch 
P. McCray, Secretary and Treasurer; A. L. Hudson, 
Leader of the 1 •Shakespeare'' section, and Elinor E, 
Gordon, Leader of the '^Longfellow" section. 

The year's work in Shakespeare was upon the plays 
of "Macbeth," and the "Merchant of Venice." Papers 
were read at each session upon topics pertaining to the 
play. These were followed by discussions of the same, 
and by reading of the text of the play, in which all mem- 
bers participated. This section secured two lectures by 
James K. Applebee. subjects: "Macbeth.* 1 a Drama of 
Conscience; "The Merchant of Venice," a Lesson in 
Religious Courtesy and Charity, which were given, and 
well received. November 7 and 8. At each meeting of 
the '''Longfellow" section there were short papers, fol- 
lowed by discussion and the reading of poems illustrating 
the topics of the evening. On December 13 there was 
a dramatic reading of Miles Standish. 

The third annual Banquet was held at Hotel Booge, 
June 6, 1 888. The literary programme for the occasion 
consisted in music, the dramatic presentation of "The 
Choosing of the Casket, from "Merchant of Venice," by 
Carrie Hutchinson. Lucy Patterson: H. J. Taylor, A. L. 
Hudson and W. L. Frost; '-'Sleep-walking Scene" from 
Macbeth," by Bandusia Wakefield; 4 'Wooing and Wed- 
ding the Puritan Maiden," from "Courtship of Miles 
Standish," in Pantomime, by Leora Chase. O. P. Mc- 
Cray and F B. Drake. 

The fourth vear. 1888-89. the officers of the Club 
were Dr. R. H. Brown. President: Mecca Peavey. Sec- 
retary and Treasurer: E. H. Hubbard. Leader of the 
"Emerson,' section, and A. L. Hudson Leader of the 
"Shakespeare" section. 

The 'Emerson' section devoted its time to the study of 
Emerson and his w 7 orks. reading and discussing his essays 



UNITY CHURCH. 



on "Self Reliance," "Compensation," "Prudence," 
"Heroism," and the "Oversoul." This stud}/ was entered 
upon with some doubts as to whether it would prove 
entertaining; yet so successfully did the leader direct 
this section that a lively interest was awakened, and in 
the following spring it was voted to continue the study 
another year. Papers were prepared and read upon 
"Emerson," "Margaret Fuller," "The Boy Emerson and 
his Aunt Mary," "The Saturday Club," "Ethics of Em- 
erson, " "Emerson's Home Life, " "Emerson, the Poet," 
and "Emerson and Carlisle." In the verse of Emerson, 
' 'We see the beauty of the trackless forest, 
Where oak and hazel, plum and sycamine, 
In wild confusion mingle. Nature's children 
In sweet unity, teaching truth." 

The "Shakespeare" section began its work on Oct- 
ober 27, with an attendance of forty-three, and read du- 
ring the year, the plays, "King Lear," and "Midsum- 
mer Night's Dream." Papers were prepared and read 
upon "The Character of Kent," "Shakespeare's Fool," 
"Cordelia and her Sisters," "The Three Glosters," 
"Comparison of 'Hamlet' and 'King Lear,' " "Ancient 
Athens," "The Lovers and the Magic Charm," and 
"Puck and the Fairies." 

In April of this year, Mr. and Mrs. T. J. Stone kindly 
threw open their elegant home for the use of the Club, 
upon which occasion George Willis Cook gave a series 
of parlor lectures on "Early English Literature." 

The fourth annual banquet was held in the lecture 
room of the then recently dedicated church, on June 8, 
1889. There was beside each plate a handsome and 
unique souvenir program in the form of a fan. There 
were present 125 guests, and at the close of the banquet 
readings from "Emerson" and from "Lear" were given. 
The play of "Pyramus and Thisbe" was also presented. 
The President, Dr. R. H. Brown gave an address full of 



28 



UNITY CHURCH. 



valuable suggestions. Notice his prophetic words: "The 
early work of organization has been so well done, and 
the work to be done, as well as the manner of doing it, so 
well fitted to existing conditions, that its own momentum 
is carrying the Club with accelerated speed, despite the 
loss from time to time of members heretofore indispens- 
able. The future of the Unity Club is now no longer 
problematical, unless it be a problem how its large and 
increasing membership can be profitably worked." 

The fifth year, 1889-90, the officers were Geo. W. 
Wakefield, President; Mecca Peavey, Secretary and 
Treasurer; A. L. Hudson, Leader of "Shakespeare" sec- 
tion, and E. H. Hubbard, Leader of "Emerson" section. 
A printed programme for the year was again presented 
in advance and this has been done each year since. 

The "Shakespeare" section began the year's work 
October 12, reading the plays of "Richard III" and "As 
You Like It." The papers in this section took a wider- 
field than heretofore, and through them the old English 
dramatists, Christopher Marlowe, Thomas Middleton, 
John Ford and Ben Jonson, were introduced to the Club. 
Papers were also presented, relating to the subject of the 
plays. Prof. Melville B. Anderson, now of Leland Stan- 
ford University, delivered three lectures before the Club, 
in December. 

The "Emerson" section read the essays on "Hero- 
ism," and "The American Scholar," besides several of 
the author's poems. Papers were read on "Heroes and 
Hero Worship," "Arnold and Emerson," "Lowell" "Bry- 
ant," Longfellow," "Emerson's Life as a Lesson in 
Character," "Emerson as a Moral Teacher," "The Man 
and the Mass," "The American Scholar," and "Litera- 
ture and Democracy." 

The annual banquet was again held in the church 
lecture room, attended by the 77 members of the Club 



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29 



and their invited guests. The President gave his annual 
address, and the programme closed with a charming 
little piece of humor, in the form of a farce entitled "The 
Shakespeare Water Cure," presented by Leora Chase, 
Mrs Fuller, Mrs. Stason and Bandusia Wakefield. So 
closed an interesting year. 

The sixth year, 1890-1, the officers were George W. 
Wakefield, president; Minnie S. Buffington, secretary 
and treasurer; E. H. Hubbard and Elinor Gordon, lead- 
ers of the history section, and A. L. Hudson and E. W. 
Skerry, leaders of the poetry section. 

The poetry section made the poetry of Tennyson and 
Mrs. Browning its study. Readings from these poets 
were given at each meeting. Papers were read upon 
"Inducements to Study Poetry," "Growth of Modern 
English Poetry," "The Brownings in Italy," "Aurora 
Leigh," "The Sonnet in Literature," "National An- 
thems," "Poetic Sympathy with Animals," "Tennyson as 
Man and Poet," "Tennyson's Women," "Tennyson's 
Men." 

The history section studied the French Revolution, 
reading in that connection "The Tale of Two Cities" 
and "93." There was an interesting programme and 
papers were read upon "The States-General and Na- 
tional Assembly," "Storming of the Bastile," "American 
and French Revolution Compared," "The French Revo- 
lution Judged One Hundred Years After" and "Jacobins 
and Girondists." 

At the business meeting held in May of this year, the 
executive committee, in appreciation of Miss Gordon's 
services, presented the club with a very fine crayon por- 
trait of Miss Gordon, which was, in accordance with the 
suggestion of the committee, hung in the club room op- 
posite the portrait of Miss Safford. 

The sixth annual banquet was held at the boat 



30 



UNITY CHURCH. 



house of the Riverside Boat Club on June 11, 1891. A. 
L Hudson presided as toastmaster. There were given 
the president's address and responses to the following 
toasts: "The Riverside Boat Club," "Work and Play," 
"Books and Business" and "Unity." 

The seventh year, 1891-2, the officers were George 
W. Oberholtzer, preside.it; Mrs. Melida Pappe, secretary 
and treasurer; E. H. Hubbard and Elinor E. Gordon, 
leaders of poetry section; A L. Hudson and P. K. Hol- 
brook, leaders of history section. 

The poetry section devoted its meetings to the study 
of the writings of George Eliot, reading especially 
"Adam Bede," "Silas Marner" and "Romola." This 
proved to be a popular study. 

Papers were prepared and read upon "George Eliot," 
"The Wit and Humor of George Eliot," "The History 
of Music," "The Law of Consequences," and other sub- 
jects. 

The history section studied the growth of English 
liberty, from its beginning in the German forests to the 
American and French revolutions. There were papers 
introductory to the study and upon "The Norman Con- 
quest," "Magna Charta," "The Growth of Parliament 
and Its Conflict with the Throne," "Puritan Control," 
"Evolution of the Judicial System and Its Relation to 
the Growth of Liberty," "The Great Political Parties 
Down to the French Revolution" and "The Relation of 
Literature to the Growth of Democracy in England." 

The annual banquet was held June 1 6, 1892, at the 
club house of the Sioux City Boat Club. After the re- 
port there were the president's address and responses to 
the following toasts, Mrs. J. A. Dean acting as toast- 
mistress: "The Sioux City Boat Club," "The Banquet," 
"Our Officers and Leaders," "Looking Backward," 
"The Roses," "The Trials of the Leaders" and "Our 



UNITY CHURCH. 



31 



European Travelers." As this last toast referred to Miss 
Safford and Miss Fuchs, then traveling in Europe, Mr. 
Hubbard moved that the secretary cable the greetings 
of the club to "Our European Travelers," which was 
accordingly done. 

The eighth year, 1892-3, the officers chosen were 
George W. Oberholtzer, president; Adelaide E. Lacey, 
secretary and treasurer; E. H. Hubbard and Elinor E. 
Gordon, leaders of poetry section; A. L. Hudson and P. 
K. Holbrook, leaders of history section. 

The poetry section continued the study of the w r orks 
of George Eliot, reading especially "Mill on the Floss" 
and "Middlemarch," and also giving attention to her 
poetry. There were papers on "Mr. Tulliver and His 
Puzzling World," "George Eliot's Heroes," "Dorothea, 
Was She a Failure ?" "Romanticism and Realism in 
Fiction," "Rnlstrode, Was His Punishment Just?" 
"George Eliot's Ministers," "George Eliot's Philosophy" 
and "George Eliot's Place in Literature." 

The history section made the "Evolution of the 
Republic" its study, commencing with the early colon- 
ists and giving attention to their character and the 
growth of democracy up to the close of the American 
revolution. This very naturally followed the work of 
the preceding year and elicited much interest. Papers 
were read on "The Discovery of America and Its Rela- 
tion to the Growth of Liberty," "Beginnings of New 
England," "Beginnings of Virginia," "The Middle 
Colonies," "Struggle for Self-Government," "People of 
the Southern States," "Causes of the American Revolu- 
tion," "Declaration of Independence," "People at Close 
of the Revolution." 

At the meeting of December 10, A. L. Hudson, who 
had long been a leader of one section of the club, re- 
signed his office on account of his contemplated early 



32 



UNITY CHURCH. 



removal from the city. In doing so he gave to the club 
his parting message and exhortation in one word, 
'-Growth." He also presented the resignation of Mr. 
Holbrook. George W. Wakefield then formally ad- 
dressed Mr. Hudson, expressing the appreciation of the 
club for his past service and its regret at severing the 
pleasant relations, and concluded by presenting to him, 
in behalf of the club, a loving cup, saying: "Take it, 
and remember that whatever else it may hold at any 
time it is ever and always filled to overflowing with our 
esteem, our friendship and our love. These flowing 
from the highest, like the widow's cruse of oil, never 
fail and everywhere attend you, even to the uttermost 
parts of the earth. You cannot go beyond the peri- 
phery of our love." 

Mr. Hudson responded with strong feeling in words 
which thrilled the company wilh the consciousness of 
the sacredness of friendship and its sustaining power. 
E. H. Hubbard extended the farewell by reading a poem 
prepared for this occasion. 

The annual banquet was held June 8, 1893, at the 
Sioux City Boat Club house. Mary A. Safford acted as 
toastmistress and after the president's address, giving an 
outline of the work of the club, past and to come, there 
were responses to the following toasts: "Our Hosts, 
the Sioux City Boat Club," "Our Absent Members," 
"Our Sister Societies," "A Returned Wanderer," "Fic- 
tion in History," "This Puzzling World," "The Real 
and the Ideal." The club was also remembered by A. 
L. Hudson in a poem entitled "Confessions of a Loving 
Cup." 

The ninth year, 1893-4, the officers were E. H. Hub- 
bard, president; George B. Greenwood, secretary and 
treasurer; G. W. Oberholtzer and Elinor E. Gordon, 



UNITY CHURCH. 



33 



leaders of poetry section; Mrs. J. A. Dean and George 
Conway, leaders of history section. 

On August 21, 1893, G. W, Oberholtzer was 
drowned in the Big Sioux River near Riverside. At the 
close of the first regular meeting of the year in October 
a memorial meeting was held, at which Hon. E. H. 
Hubbard presided. He referred briefly to the death of 
our late president, George W. Oberholtzer, and called 
on various members to speak for the club. Henry J. 
Taylor spoke of Mr. Oberholtzer as a lover of good 
books and Dr. Brown of his qualities as an all round 
man. George W. Wakefield spoke of him as the good 
citizen and Miss Gordon of his helpfulness in the club. 
Tributes of admiration were read from F. H. Taft and 
H. L. Hudson. Mrs. Dean read a poem and E. H. 
Bucknam presented the following resolutions, which 
were adopted by a rising Vote: 

In commemoration of the loss of our late president, leader, 
member and friend, George W. Oberholtzer, it is hereby resolved 
by the Unity club 

That we place upon our records and here permanently express 
our sincere and deep regret for the sudden and sad departure from 
among us, of a leader so capable, zealous and true to our best inter- 
ests, a member from the formation of this club constant in season 
and out of season,- valuable in counsel, words and deeds: a friend 
of the club and of all its members always and everywhere; 

That for his well informed mind, his high and pure literary 
taste, his influence and example as member, citizen and man, we 
record our admiration and appreciation; 

That to her whom he has left (but for a season) we tender our 
sympathy and regard, trusting with her, "that our remembrance, 
though unspoken, may reach him where he lives." 

The poetry section devoted five weeks to the study 
of Lessing's "Nathan the Wise" and the residue of its 
time to Charles Kingsley's novel, "Hypatia. " Papers 
were read upon "Nathan the Wise and Lessing's Liter- 
ary Career," "Lessing's Friends and Contemporaries/' 



34 



UNITY CHURCH. 



"The Templar in Fiction and in Reality," "Alexandria," 
"Art, Philosophy and Religion of Alexandria in Fifth 
Century, " "Charles Kingsley, the. Man and Author," 
"Wulf the Goth and Philammon the Greek," "The Chris- 
tianity in the Book," "Raphael, Jew, Cynic and Chris- 
tian." This section closed its work with tableaux vi- 
vants and dramatic scenes from "Hypatia," so satisfac- 
torily that the same were repeated by request the follow- 
ing week. 

The history section continued the study of our own 
history from the constitution to the present time. Papers 
were read on "The Constitution of the United St'ites," 
"Political Parties to 1860," "The War of 181 '2; Its Causes 
and Results," "The United States Supreme Court," 
"Financial Problems of American History," "The Indian 
Problem," "Social and Educational Development," 
"Growth of the Anti-Slavery Sentiment," and "The 
Battle of Shiloh." 

The ninth annual banquet was held June 5, 1894, at 
the Sioux City Boat Club house and was one of the best 
attended and most enjoyable in the history of the club. 
After the repast there were the president's address and 
the following toasts with responses, E. H. Bucknam 
acting as toastmaster: "Our Hosts, the Sioux City 
Boat Club," "Our History Section — Truth is Stranger 
Than Fiction," "The Burdens We Bear,'' "What I 
Know About Philosophy," "Looking Forward" and 
"The Drama as a Club Study." There were also "A 
Word from the Orient" and "A Message from the Occi- 
dent. " 

The tenth year, 1894-5, the officers were E. H. 
Bucknam, president; Emma Weidel, secretary and 
treasurer; Elinor E. Gordon and Leslie Greenwood, 
leaders of poetry section; Mrs. J. A. Dean and George 
Conway, leaders of history section. 



UNITY CHURCH. 



:>5 



The poetry section has studied 4 'Old Town Folks," 
"Minister's Wooing" and "The Marble Faun." 

The history section has studied South American 
history. The program of the work of both sections in 
full is as follows: 
October 6. 

Paper — The Pilgrim and the Puritan Leslie Greenwood 

Conversation — Is there an American type? If so, is it the New 
Englander? 
October 13. 

Introduction — A Glimpse of the Proposed Year's 

Work Mrs. J. A. Dean 

The great navigators, 

Why has progress been so slow in South America, and so rapid 
in North America? 
October 20. 

Paper — Harriet Beecher Stowe. Mrs. S. F. Lynn 

Conversation — The Beecher family and its influence in America. 
Puritan theology and morals. 
October 27. 

Paper — Physical Geography and Climatic Conditions of South 

America. . , George Conway 

Conversation- The flora and fauna of South America. 
Effect of climate on character. 
Agassiz. 
November 3. 

Papsr — The New England Minister . .Mrs. W. G. Price 

Paper — Jonathan Edwards J- A. Dean ' 

Conversation — Temperament and creed. 
Is thinking ever a disease? 
November 10. 

Paper — The Andes and their Mines; the Amazon and its Forests; 

the great Pampas and their Herds E. H. Bucknam 

Conversation — Geology — Humboldt. 
November 17. 

Paper — The New England Schoolmaster H. E. Kratz 

Conversation — The horn-book. 
The New England primer. 
The old Latin grammar. 
The blue-backed spelling book. 
November 24. 

Paper — The people of South America prior to the Discovery, 
and their Antiquity Mrs. Leslie Greenwood 



36 UNITY CHURCH. 



Conversation — The lost Atlantis. 
The Pacific continent. 
Where was the Garden of Eden? 
December 1. 

Paper — New England Laws, Lawyers and judges 

Wm. Milchrist 

December 8, 

Paper — The Peruvians and their Civilization. S. F. Lynn 

Conversation — Paternalism in Government 
Peruvian architecture and writing. 
Religion and laws. 
December 15. 

New England Reception and Dinner (admission 50 cents). 

Committee Mrs. G. B. Healy 

After dinner speeches — New England Thanksgiving. R. M. Dyer 

The "Quiltin," Esther Crawford 

Child Life in New England.. . Mary E. Robertson 

The Meetin' House E. H. Bucknam 

The Muster E. W. Skerry 

The New England Kitchen Mrs. W. S. Belden 

The Sunday Clothes Elinor E. Gordon 

January 5. 

Paper — The Conquest of Peru Mrs. W. S. Belden 

Conversation — Atahualpa, Cuzco, Prescott. 
The right of discovery and conquest. 
January 12. 

The Marble Faun. 

Introduction Elinor E. Gordon 

Paper — Modern Rome . . .Elizabeth Perkins 

Paper — Famous Buildings mentioned in the Story. O. P. McCray 

Paper — The Catacombs Mrs. James F. Toy 

Conversation — Did you enjoy the Story? Why, and why not. 
January 19. 

Paper — The Civil War of the Conquerors and the Spanish 

Settlement Wilbra Coleman 

Conversation — The Spanish Character; Almagro; Pizarro. 
January 26. 

Paper — Review of the Marble Faun Mrs. C. H. Lewis 

Paper — Famous Paintings in the Story Mrs. M. Pappe 

Conversation — Miriam's criticism of Guido's "Michael and the 
Dragon."— (p 217.) 
February 2. 

Paper — Spanish South America under the Viceroys of Peru to 
1776 James F. Toy 



UNITY CHURCH. 



Conversation — The Mitta. 
The Inquisition- 
New Granada. 
The captains-general. 
February 9. 

Paper — Nathaniel Hawthorne J. J. Sayer 

Paper — Hawthorne, Charlotte Bronte, Edgar Allan Poe — A 

Comparison Mrs. Francis N. Davis 

Conversation — Is Hawthorne an Artist? 
Does he create or dissect? 
February 16. 

Paper — The War of Independence in Peru O. M. Robbins 

Conversation — Rebellion of Tupac Amaru; San Martin. 
February 23. 

Paper — Miriam and Hilda: An analysis of character 

Mrs. Emma Weidel 

Paper — The famous Sculpture mentioned in the Story 

Mrs. A. Groninger 

Conversation — Miriams thought of sculpture, (p 150.) 
Who is the better woman, Miriam or Hilda? 



March 2. 

Paper— Republic of Peru to 1878 C. K. Williams 

Conversation — Restoration under Gamarra. Balta. 
Public Works. 
March 9. 

Paper — The problem of the Story Elinor E. Gordon 

Paper — The Faun: A psychological study. 



Conversation — Is this story a pyschological study, a criticism 

of art, a novel, or a little of all three? - 
Are its teachings consistent with the theory of evolution? 
March 16. 

Paper — War between Chili and Peru .Geo. W. Wakefield 

Conversation — Battle of Tacna. Progress in the Art of War. 
Fall of Lima. General Caceres. Regeneration. 
March 23. 

Stereopticon Lecture — The City of Rome. (Admission 25 cents.) 

- Miss Elizabeth Perkins 

Committee, Mrs. Melida Pappe 

March 30. 

Paper — The People of Peru — Their Literature and Wealth 

Mrs. M. J. Sweeley 

Conversation — Peru's Commercial Relations. 
The National Library and its destruction 
The Geographical society. 



UNITY CHURCH. 



It has been the object and policy of the club from the 
first to discuss and consider with thoroughness and free- 
dom the subjects of its study. So the history of liberty, 
from the German forests to the present in our own coun- 
try, engaged one section of the club for three years. The 
benefits accruing to the members by this policy have 
been great and substantial. The last year has been the 
most successful in point of attendance, the history sec- 
tion averaging 55 and the poetry section 86, the largest 
attendance on any one evening being 118. 

The number and character of papers have equaled 
any year of the past and the club looks forward with 
confidence to very many years of usefulness. 



THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. 

''The world is saved by the breath of the School Children.''' 

Those persons who were brave enough to think 
freely and honestly on religious subjects, and loyal enough 
to their convictions to act upon them by forming the 
Unitarian Church of Sioux City, were also wise enough 
to appreciate the need of a Liberal Sunday School. They 
clearly saw that if their Church was to grow and prosper, 
they must interest and educate the children in a rational 
religious faith; they realized the need of starting the 
boys and girls aright in moral and religious life, if they 
were to be worthy members of society in later years. 

Accordingly, at the meeting held in the court house, 
February 8, 1885, when a committee on church organiza- 
tion was appointed, another committee was also named 
to arrange for a Sunday School. 

The members of this committee were Miss Bandusia 
Wakefield, Miss Adele Fuchs, Miss Mecca Peavey, Mrs. 
E. H. Bucknam, Mr. W. C, Hutchens, and Mr. W. E. 
Bauer. 



UNITY CHURCH. 



39 



After a few weeks, during which necessary arrange- 
ments were made, the Sunday School w 7 as organized, 
with Miss Wakefield as Superintendent; Miss Anna 
Peavey, Secretary and Treasurer, and Miss Adele Fuchs, 
Chorister. 

Three classes were formed, and Miss Wakefield, in 
addition to her work as Superintendent, took charge of 
the Bible class, while Miss Mecca Peavey taught the 
Intermediate class, and Mrs. E. H. Bucknam the Pri- 
mary class. 

With these devoted workers to inspire and direct, 
the Sunday School began its work, and its subsequent 
success shows how wisely its founders planned, and how 
faithfully they labored. The School met for a few T times 
in the court house, but April 5, 1885, united with the 
Church in an Easter service in the new church home, at 
the corner of Sixth and Douglas streets. 

In September of the same year, the organization of 
the School was completed, by the adoption of the By- 
Laws, prepared by Miss Safford, under which it is still 
working, and the number of classes was increased to 
seven. The school was also enriched by the gift of 135 
volumes for a library, from Miss Elizabeth J. Faulkner, 
of Keene, N. H., in memory of her brother, Mr. W. F. 
Faulkner, a former resident of Sioux City. 

Altogether the first year of the Sunday School was 
full of promise for the future, and in view of the many 
difficulties that were overcome, great credit is due to 
those who so freely gave themselves to promote its 
welfare. 

When the church was organized very few young 
people were connected with it, but by reason of the work 
done in the Sunday School and religious stud}' classes, 
it now includes a large number of earnest young men 



UNITY CHURCH. 



and women, who are growing strength to it, and the faith 
for which it stands. 

Too much cannot be said in praise of the teachers 
and officers of the school, who are not only constant in 
attending the sessions of the school and those of the 
weekly teacher's meeting, but give many hours of thought 
to preparing lessons and adapting them to their respect- 
ive classes. Their work has been especially arduous the 
last five years, during which the school has studied the 
Six Year's Course. 

Three of our teachers, Miss Safford, Miss Gordon 
and Mrs. Groninger, have taught since the organization 
of our school, Mrs. Caton coming next in point of length 
of service. Besides these four already mentioned, the 
names of those who have taught three years or more, are 
as follows: Mesdames Bucknam, Cunningham, Rebecca 
Smith, Morley, Lucy Booge, H. M. Pierce, Needham, 
Lynn, Young, Weidel, Misses Wakefield, Barney, 
Booge, Ayres and Dr. Wm. Smith and Jas. F. Toy. 

The following are the officers from 1885 to date: 

1885 — Miss B. Wakefield, Superintendent; Anna Peavey, Secre- 
tary and Treasurer; Adele Fuchs, Chorister. 

1886 — O. P. McCray, Superintendent; Elwood Bordwell, Secre- 
tary; M. A. Peavey, Treasurer; Lelia Patterson, Librarian; Mrs. E. 
Yutzy, Chorister. 

1887 — Miss B. Wakefield, Superintendent; Samuel Hoskins, 
Secretary; F. Drake Treasurer; Mrs. Michelstetter, Librarian; 
W. M. Stevens. Chorister. 

1888— W. M. Stevens, Superintendent; G. P. McCray, Secre- 
tary; M. A. Peavey, Treasurer; Lelia Patterson, Librarian; W. M. 
Stevens, Chorister. 

1889 — W. M. Stevens, Superintendent: O. P. McCray, Secre- 
tary; M. A. Peavey, Treasurer; Lelia Patterson, Librarian; W. M. 
Stevens, Chorister. 

1890— Miss B. Wakefield, Superintendent; O. P. McCray, Sec- 
retary; M. A. Peavey, Treasurer; Lelia Patterson, Librarian; Adele 
Fuchs, Chorister. 



UNITY CHURCH. 



41 



1891 — L. Greenwood. Superintendent; O. P. McCray, Secretary; 
M. A. Peavey, Treasurer; Lelia Patterson, Librarian; Adele Fuchs, 
Chorister. 

1892 — W. M. Stevens, Superintendent; O. P. McCray, Secre- 
tary; M, A. Peavey, Treasurer; Lelia Patterson, Librarian; Adele 
Fuchs, Chorister. 

1893 — H. C. Young, Superintendent; Geo. J. Bevier, Secretary; 
Mary E. Robertson, Treasurer; Lelia Patterson, Librarian; Adele 
Fuchs, Chorister. 

1884 — Rev. M. A. Safford, Superintendent; Estella Garrison, 
Secretary; Amos Ayres, Treasurer; Lelia Patterson, Librarian; 
Adele Fuchs, Chorister. 

From this list it will be seen that Mr. McCray, Miss 
Fuchs and Mr. Stevens, have served the school each 
six years, faithfully and well. The Sunday School 
Orchestra — Miss Morse, organ; Archie Ralph, cornet; 
Floyd Follett, violin; and Frank McCray, violin, have 
contributed much to the beauty and inspiration of the 
service. A word must here be said, also/ 'in commenda- 
tion of our Librarian, Miss Lelia Patterson, who has serv- 
ed the school in this capacity from the beginning, ex- 
cepting only one year, and to whose painstaking care and 
faithful service is due the fact that our library is in such 
good condition as it is to-day, and that so few books have 
been lost from it." 

The hardest task of those conducting the school has 
been to procure as many teachers as the size of the 
school demands. They could do more and better work 
to-day, if there were more men and women who realized 
the importance of this work and who could give the time 
and thought necessary for its promotion. 

The record of attendance of pupils shows from the 
beginning constant and continuous growth, up to within 
the last three years. The school has however held its 
own in spite of the many removals from the city, and 
numbers now 13 classes, with 219 pupils enrolled. 



42 



UNITY CHURCH. 



The younger classes have studied the parables and 
stories from the New Testament, Foundation Stones of 
Character, and have been instructed in Kindness to Ani- 
mals, Home Life, School Life, Ethics, and the Unitarian 
Faith; the last two having been prepared by Miss Safford. 

The advanced classes have taken Hall's ' 'First 
Lessons on the Bible," Toy's "Religion of Israel," the 
"Life of Theodore Parker," and so far the first five years 
of the "Six Years' Course," published by the W. U. S. S. 

The Bible class, composed of the older men and 
women of the church, was for a number of years under 
the able and devoted leadership of Mrs. Morley. After 
a year under Miss Safford's care, Mr. Toy took charge 
of it and has carried it on successfully ever since. 

The regular work of the school closes on the last 
Sunday in June, but there are usually held six extra 
sessions in July and August, for which special lessons 
are prepared. These latter are usually conducted by so- 
called "vacation" teachers, although often the regular 
teachers remain with their classes through the summer. 
This vacation Sunday School meets at the hour of the 
church service, 10:30a. m. , and is often attended by many 
of the older people who take part ivith the children in 
their service. 

The Unity Song and Service Book, published by 
the W. U. S. S., and the Sunny Side Song Book have 
been in constant use, with but few interruptions, since 
the school was organized. Last year there w 7 ere pur- 
chased 200 copies of the New Unity Services and Songs. 

The school has a circulating library of nearly 300 
volumes, and owns its own song and service books. It 
owes much to the generous donation of Miss Elizabeth 
Faulkner, of Keene, N. H., given as a memorial for her 
brother, by means of which many of our library books 
were purchased. Miss Faulkner has since added to the 



UNITY CHURCH. 



43 



library, and the school has also purchased books out of 
its own funds from time to time. 

Each year the School unites with the Church at the 
Church hour, in holding the special services, viz: The 
Harvest or Thanksgiving Festival, the Christmas, Eas- 
ter, Patriotic and Floral services. At these times the 
children contribute to the Church service with song and 
recitation. "The Sermon with a Story in it," and "The 
Story with a Sermon in it," given by the ministers, are 
always eagerly looked forward to by the children, and 
not less by the older people. 

On Christmas eve the school is invited to the Tree 
Festival at which carols are sung, and small gifts, candy 
and nuts are distributed. 

At the Floral Service, in June, the children make 
their offering of flowers, which are then distributed to 
the sick in homes and hospitals. At this service is also 
observed the Dedication of Little Children. 

Once during each summer it is the custom to give a 
picnic, when pupils, teachers and parents go to the 
woods, and together enjoy a day under waving trees and 
blue skies. It is needless to say that on this day the 
Sunday School is well attended. 

The school has been not only self-supporting from 
the beginning, but has contributed to the support of 
other organizations. Its contributions to the W. U. S. 
S. have averaged over $15. per year. It sent $75. to 
the young Church in Cherokee, and has given regularly 
each year to our own church. 

At Christmas time the children have been asked to 
bring such clothing, books and toys as they w 7 ere able 
and willing to spare from their own store. These, when 
necessary, were carefully repaired, and with other new 
things of the same kind, distributed where they would 
do the most good. Boxes of these articles have been 



44 



UNITY CHURCH. 



sent to the Indian schools in Dakota and Montana, and 
to the colored schools in the south. Donations of pict- 
ures, bookcases, etc. , have been made to the Samaritan 
Hospital, and Christmas tree to the Industrial School, 
managed by the ladies of Unity Circle. 

It is thus shown that the aim of the school has been 
to train as well as to teach; to lead the children into 
practical helpfulness as well as to instruct them in the 
principles and history of the faith for which this Church 
stands. 



THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S 
SOCIETIES. 

"There is perfect goodness somewhere, so I strive" 

The records of our Young People's Societies begin 
with the reorganization of the Lend-a-Hand Club, No- 
vember 4, 1887. Before this time there had been a 
Band of Mercy and a Lend-a-Hand club in the Sunday 
School, but there had been no formal organization of 
either. 

At the meeting for reorganization Miss Safford was 
chosen as leader and the following officers were elected 
for .six months: George Snook, president; Burton 
Smith, vice president; Kate Bucknam, secretary; Egbert 
Badgerow, treasurer. Six months later Gertrude Ross 
was elected president, Fred Hills vice president, Samuel 
Hoskins secretary and Cora Wheelock treasurer. 

The first year's work was creditable to the young 
society. Many flowers were sent to the sick, an ice 
water barrel was supported during the summer. Two 
scrap books were made for the amusement Q f sick chil- 
dren, a set of doll furniture for the fair and an oak book 
case was bought for the Samaritan Home. Owing to 



UNITY CHURCH. 



45 



the absence of Miss S afford there were no meetings of 
the club from September, 1888, to November, 1889. 

On November 8, 1889, Miss Gordon organized a 
Junior Unity Club. For its literal work the club read 
Sir Walter Scott's "Lady of the Lake." 

The Lend-a-Hand committee kept up its good work, 
as the following extract from the Sioux City Journal will 
show: 

"LEND-A-HAND." 



COMPLIMENTS TO THE JUNIOR UNITY CLUB — A TENDER VOICE OF 
THANKSGIVING FROM THE SICK ROOM. 

Sioux City, Jan. 20, 1890. — To the Editor: A sick room full of 
tediousness; a mysterious box silently placed upon the table; a bunch 
of fragrant, exquisite flowers taken from it; a card attached with 
these words: "Compliments of the Junior Unity club, Lend-a- 
Hand." What a change over all the world! Something else to 
think about now but wall paper and heartaches. A world full of 
sweetness and light opens the imagination to dwell in. Who were 
these little fairy godmothers of maidens tripping about Sioux City 
in this below zero w r eather, wrapped to the nose tips in furs and 
feathers, with hearts warmed with charity and hands full of lovely 
messengers, finding out from the frosty spirits of the air who need 
comfort? Have they black eyes or blue? How shall I know them 
on the street when I meet them again ? What can I do for them ? 
How can I lend them a hand in return ? Blessings on the "Junio 
Unity Club" and the golden influence inculcated by such "lend a 
hand" principles on young, sunshiny hearts before the world hard- 
ens them. I kiss my finger tips to you, little invisible "Unities." 
May you never need the hand lent in return, but if you do, give me 
the blessed privilege. * * * * * 

They also prepared an entertainment for the primary 
department of the Sunday School. 

March 14, 1890, the club was merged into the Reli- 
gious Study Class, taught by Miss Safford. The plan 
of giving six months to the work of the Junior Unity 
Club and four months to the work of the Religious Study 
Class was followed for several years. 



46 



UNITY CHURCH. 



The club began its work the next year on Novem- 
ber 14. Studied civil government under the leadership 
of Miss Gordon. Prof. Spiers of Vermillion University 
gave a course of lectures on Social Science under its 
auspices. They continued the good work of carrying 
flowers to the sick. 

In 1891 the club studied Mr. C. F. Dole's ''The Citi- 
zen and Neighbor/' under the leadership of Miss Gor- 
don. This was a most interesting years work. 

In November, 1892, the club was divided into social 
and literary sections. Among the interesting entertain- 
ments given during the )^ear was a Valentine sociable. 

On January 14, 1894, Miss Safford called the young 
people of the church together for the purpose of forming 
a permanent Young People's Society. After discussion 
of various plans it was decided to form a Young Peo- 
ple's Union. This society was like all the others pre- 
viously formed, having its study class and its committees 
for work and in addition its social evenings. 

In July, 1894, after nine years of experimenting, a 
permanent society was formed under the name of "The 
Young People's Religious Union." The object of this 
society as stated in the constitution is "to promote 
freedom, fellowship and character in religion." The 
officers are elected for one year. The meetings are held 
every Sunday evening from September 1 to July 1, 
from October 1 to May ] at 6:15 p. m., and for the rest 
of the time at 6:45 p. m. 

At these meetings, after devotional exercises con- 
ducted by members of the society, a paper is read and 
discussed. The membership numbers forty-eight. This 
society has its practical work, and its social evenings. 
This last year it has repaired the church hymn books, 
removed the persistent sand burrs from the parking 
around the church, decorated Easter eggs for the pri- 



UNITY CHURCH. 



47 



mary department of the Sunday School, made two com- 
forters for the fair, printed a missionary pamphlet and 
continued the flower mission. It has given two enter- 
tainments on "supper night" and taken entire charge of 
two of the evening services. At the first of these, on the 
evening of March 17, Bertha Blum read a paper on the 
"Worth of Ideals." At the second, on the evening of 
May 12, George Greenwood read a paper on "The Hero 
of Today." For the year the receipts from membership 
fees, entertainments, candy tables, etc. , have been $69.36. 

It is hoped that societies of a similar nature will be 
formed in other liberal churches and that these will co- 
operate in a state organization. 

The following is the first printed program of the 
Young People's Religious Union for the church year, 



September 1, 1894, to July 1, 1895; 

Sept. 2— The Stranger Within Our Gate O. P. McCray 

Sept. 9 — Ways of Helping Our Cause. ... Adele Fuchs 

Sept. 16— How Shall We Keep Sunday? Mellie McAllister 

Sept. 23 — Human Brotherhood Jacob Hermann 

Sept. 30 — Religion and Religions Rev. M. A. Safford 

Oct. 7 — Lucretia Mott .Josephine Ross 

Oct. 14 — The Effect of Manners on Character M. E. Robertson 

Oct. 21 — Power of Personality Hugh Roberts 

Oct. 28 — Creeds, I Believe, not Thou Must Believe 

Rev. M..A. Safford 

Nov. 4 — William Ellery Channing Alfred Young 

Nov. 11 — Economy and Generosity Anna M. Appleton 

Nov. 18 — Self Reliance George Slutter 

Nov. 25 — Man, a Climbing, not a Fallen Being. .Rev. M. A. Safford 

Dec. 2 — Theodore Parker Alice Rinaldo 

Dec. 9— The Worth of Ideals Bertha Blum 

Dec. 16 — Reverence .' Esther Crawford 

Dec. 23— The Power of Habit Joe P. Shoup 

Dec. 30— God, the Eternal One Rev. M. A. Safford 

Jan. 6 — Peter Cooper Sybil Cohen 

Jan. 13 — Faith and Faithfulness Estella Garrison 

Jan. 20 — Labor as a Factor of Growth Rowena Morse 

Jan. 27— Prayer— The Soul's Sincere Desire Rev. M. A. Safford 



48 UNITY CHURCH. 



Feb. 3 — Lydia Maria Child Grace Toy 

Feb. 10 — Charity. Edith Johnson 

Feb. 17 — Gratitude Emma Haner 

Feb. 24— The Bible Rev. M. A. Safford 

Mar. 3 — Dorothea Dix ..Hattie Hoffman 

Mar. 10— The Critical Spirit in the Church Floyd T. Follett 

Mar. 17 — Friendship, Its Uses and Abuses Laura Wickwire 

Mar. 24— What Makes the Hero of Today? Geo. B. Greenwood 

Mar. 31— Heaven and Hell Rev. M. A. Safford 

Apr. 7 — Cheerfulness Effie Chase 

Apr. 14 — Am I my Brother's Keeper? J. J. Sayer 

Apr. 21 — Success • Alice Pierce 

Apr. 28— Jesus Rev. M. A. Safford 

May 5 — Toleration Alice Roberts 

May 12 — The Need of Recreation J. K. Stickney 

May 19 — The Object of Life Blanche Barney 

May 26— The Church . Rev. M. A. Safford 

June 2 — Sympathy Kate Anderson 

June 9 — Personal Responsibility, Mittie Shoup 

June 16 — Truthfulness Kate Bucknam 



OFFICERS. 

Floyd T. Follet, President; Bertha Blum, Vice-Pres- 
ident, Kate Bucknam, Secretary; George Slutter, Treas- 
ures. 

CHAIRMEN OF COMMITTEES. 

Edith Johnson, Membership; Estella Garrison, Pro- 
gram; Lucy Hoskins, Entertainment; Bertha Blum, 
Lend-a-Hand. 



UNITY CHURCH. 



49 



THE RELIGIOUS STUDY CLASS. 

" The development of a soul; little else is zv or th study 

The aim of this class is to make the young people 
of the congregation more earnest, thoughtful and relig- 
ious. It is to give to these young people our best and 
most carefully considered thought in regard to the per- 
plexing questions that gather about the words "God," 
"The Bible," "Jesus," "Man, his Origin and Destiny," 
"Heaven," "Hell," "The Church." Last but not least 
to cultivate on their part a feeling of loyalty to the prin- 
ciples of the Liberal Church, and to lead them to 
identify themselves with it. 

All the young people of the congregation over four- 
teen years of age are invited to this class, which begins 
in time to have fifteen or sixteen lessons before Flower 
Sunday. At this service all young people over the age 
of sixteen who wish to join the Church are welcomed. 
They are urged to attend the class for at' least two years 
before joining the Church, but this rale is not absolute. 

The class has met regularly every year, either alone 
or as a part of the Young People's Society, and thirty- 
five of the boys and girls who have belonged to it have 
signed the Bond of Union and been received into the 
fellowship of the Church as active members. The ex- 
periment of connecting the minister's religious teaching 
of the young people with the work of their society was 
not successful and has been given up. A much deeper 
impression was made upon the minds of the young 
people and more of them were led to unite with the 
Church when the religious study class met regularly with 
the pastor, every week, for several months during the 
spring and early summer, than when it met less fre- 
quently, as a part of a society, during the entire year. 



50 



UNITY CHURCH. 



The personal touch is a most important element in work 
with young people and so much depends upon estab- 
lishing terms of perfect confidence between them and 
their minister, in the religious study class, that its work 
is most effective when its membership is not very large. 

Much also depends on the appreciation of this work 
by the parents and their influence on the boys and girls, 
in regard to regular attendance and careful preparation 
of the lessons. 

Wisely is the religious teaching of the children left 
out of the work of our public schools, but unless it has a 
place in the home and in the church we cannot expect 
the boys and girls to have a constantly growing interest 
in "those sentiments and activities which cluster about 
the two great words, reverence and righteousness." 



THE UNITY CIRCLE. 

"Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." 
THE FIRST YEAR. 

In answer to a call from Miss Safford, a number of 
ladies of the church met together on September 11, 1885, 
in the parlor of the little church on Sixth street, to dis- 
cuss plans for organizing a Ladies' Society. Miss Wake- 
field presided and Mrs. Booge was chosen secretary. 
Twenty-three ladies attended this meeting and, after 
talking the matter over, a committee consisting of Miss 
Safford, Mrs. Charles and Mrs. E. H. Stone was ap- 
pointed to prepare articles and report at the meeting set 
for the following week. At this meeting the Unity 
Circle was formally organized by the election of Miss 
Safford as president; Mrs. Patterson, vice president; 
Miss Wakefield, secretary; and Mrs. Charles, treasurer, 
and the adoption of the articles prepared by the com- 



UNITY CHURCH. 



51 



mittee. The preamble of these articles reads as follows: 
'•Being interested in the First Unitarian Church of Sioux 
City, Iowa, and recognizing the need of systematic study 
and work to promote its welfare, we associate ourselves 
together for social and religious culture and the general 
upbuilding of our faith." 

This shows clearly that this society was not to be 
merely a Ladies' Aid Society connected with the church, 
but while it had all the interests of the church at heart, 
its members also associated themselves together for im- 
provement, socially and intellectually. 

So far as known the name itself, Unity Circle, was 
first given by Miss Safford to the reorganized Ladies' 
Society of the Humboldt church and has since been 
adopted by a number of similar societies in other states, 
as well as in our own. It expresses the feeling with 
which the society was started and which it has happily 
kept these ten years — "the Circle, where the first is last 
and the last first, and all in Unity." 

The early records show that fifteen members signed 
the articles when adopted, and that during the twenty- 
three meetings held that year on Thursday afternoons, 
the number was increased to thirty-three. 

The program prepared by Miss Gordon and adopted 
at this time provided for three afternoons of literary 
work and one social afternoon every month. This, how- 
ever, was soon changed to provide literary work for all 
the regular meetings. Papers were read on the "Rise 
of Unitarianism in New England" and "Transcendental- 
ism in New England," by Miss Gordon; "Life of Julia 
Ward Howe," by Mrs. Shipman; "Mary Livermore," by 
Miss Andrews; "Dr. Bellows and the Sanitary Commis- 
sion," by Mrs. R. O. Smith; "Early Church Customs in 
New England," by Mrs. Alice Fuller, and readings from 
Whittier, Bryant, Theodore Parker and Emerson were 



52 



UNITY CHURCH. 



given by Mrs. E. H. Stone, Mrs. Charles, Mrs. 
Groninger, Mrs. Yutzy and Mrs. Bucknam. 

The circle soon turned its attention to furnishing 
the kitchen and dining room, and the first bill contracted 
for this purpose was presented by Mrs. Charles, who 
purchased $9.50 worth of china. Mrs. Bucknam and 
Mrs. De Long bought two dish pans, two coffee boilers, 
a pail, a dipper, and a screen to "separate the kitchen 
from the parlor." A stove, tables and other necessaries, 
not least among which was an executive committee con- 
sisting of Mesdames E. H. Stone, R. O. Smith, H. M. 
Pierce, Bucknam and Charles, were soon added, and 
Unity Circle was ready to give the suppers for which it 
has since become so famous. This modest furnishing 
becomes interesting when compared with the complete- 
ness of the present arrangement, which includes a 
kitchen and pantry, furniture, gas ranges, as well as 
china, glass, silver and linen sufficient to serve 150 
people. The first supper was given October 29 and 
netted $25.60. 

This was soon followed by a course of lectures, 
given at intervals of two or three weeks during the win- 
ter. This course included the Potter sisters, Mrs. Mary 
E. Livermore, Rev. H. M. Simmons, and Rev. Jenkin 
Lloyd Jones, and, quoting from the record, "enriched 
the Circle by $122.35 financially — spiritually and intel- 
lectually, beyond price." 

After all this had been done in the first three months 
of its existence, this ambitious little circle could not let 
the old year close without doing something for other 
liberals who had none of the advantages of a church 
society, and on December 31 appointed its first post- 
office mission committee. The fund for this purpose 
was started by a contribution of $5 from Miss Deborah 
Cutter, of Arlington, Mass., to which was added a col- 



UNITY CHURCH. 



53 



lection taken at this meeting. The Circle has continued 
this work ever since, appropriating additional sums 
whenever necessary for the purpose. Much liberal liter- 
ature has thus been distributed which has often resulted 
in the formation of other liberal circles or societies, and 
in untold good to isolated liberals. 

Twenty-five dollars worth of hymn books were pur- 
chased on February 11, and such as were desired, sold 
at cost to members. Committees were appointed to re- 
ceive and welcome guests at the suppers and socials and 
to call upon such ladies as expressed an interest in the 
society and a wish to enter into the life and w 7 ork of the 
church. 

Thus passed a full and bus} 7 year, all too short for 
the work planned by its devoted leaders and carried out 
so faithfully and enthusiastically by its members. 

THE CHURCH SUPPERS. 

The church suppers briefly referred to in the first 
year's work developed in a short time into the regular 
monthly social and supper, which is now a settled insti- 
tution. Owing to the rapidly increasing number of 
those who attend the suppers, the duties of the executive 
committee, who had charge of them for one year, be- 
came very arduous. In later years the matter of giving 
up the suppers was often discussed, but it w T as felt 
by all that they added so much to the social life of the 
church that it was thought better to lighten the burden 
of the committee by shortening its term of office than'to 
give up the suppers. Accordingly there is now a com- 
mittee for each supper and the work falls less heavily on 
the few. Although the young people often furnish a 
short program after supper the socials are not in any 
sense evening entertainments. The supper is served at 
6 o'clock and is distinctively a family gathering. A 



54 



UNITY CHURCH. 



charge of 25 cents per plate is made and so excellent is 
the meal and so cordial the greeting that many strangers 
to the church who come to eat remain to become ac- 
quainted and interested in the church. In a growing 
city, where frequent calling must necessarily be more 
and more abandoned, the benefit accruing to the church 
from the opportunity for social intercourse offered by 
these suppers and socials can hardly be over-estimated. 

In February, 1892^ it being Leap Year, the gentle- 
men of the church served (and it is said prepared) the 
supper. At its close they presented Unity Circle with 
$100 and seventeen dozen linen napkins, hemmed and 
ready for use. As some questions are best left un- 
answered, the ladies did not ask whether the hemming 
was also the work of the gentlemen or not. In summer, 
when the church is closed, lawn socials at which light 
refreshments are served are often held. 

RECEPTIONS. 

Several New Year's receptions have been given. 
Once or twice a year, when there were five meetings of 
the Circle in one month, the fifth afternoon was given to 
receiving the ladies of the church and their friends in the 
church parlors, which were prettily decorated for the 
purpose. There was usually a short literary program, 
followed by light refreshments. 

Upon one of these occasions, in January, 1895, the 
members of the Universalist Ladies' Society and the 
Hebrew Ladies' Society were received by the Circle. 
Very cordial relations were established between these 
societies, who found that they had much in common. 

A reception at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James E. 
Booge was tendered Miss Safford upon her return in 
March, 1889, after her long absence, caused by illness, 
ni the East. 



UNITY CHURCH. 



55 



Mrs. Needham, who had served the circle so well 
as president for two years before her removal to Wis- 
consin, was also tendered a reception and presented with 
a copy of the works of John Fiske. 

On March 5, 1893, it being the fiftieth birthday of 
the president, Mrs. Groninger, the Circle paid her an 
informal and unexpected call in the evening, carrying as 
many carnations as she had numbered years. A very 
pleasant evening was spent. 

STATE CONFERENCE. 

At the State Conference held here in 1889 and again 
in 1894, the entertainment of delegates and guests was 
in the hands of the Circle. They appointed committees 
on reception, entertainment, refreshment, etc. Supper 
was served on the second day and luncheon on 
the third day of the conference, as is usual on such 
occasions. . 

In 1889 the executive committee, with Mrs. 
Hiles, chairman, and in 1894 a special committee, with 
Mrs. Follett as chairman, had this in charge. 

ENTERTAINMENTS AND LECTURES. 

The Circle has undertaken many concerts and en- 
tertainments, both amateur and professional. The old 
chujrch choir, consisting of Mrs. Cheney, Miss Fuchs, 
Mr. Cunningham and Mr. Dennis, has given a number 
of very fine concerts and celebrities from abroad have 
also been secured. 

Lectures and lecture courses have, contrary to the 
general opinion, proved successful financially. Besides 
the course mentioned in the first year's history, the 
society has had lectures on "Darwin" by Rev. J. T. 
Sunderland, on "Dress Reform" by Annie Jenness Mil- 
ler, on "Praed and Locker" by Rev. N. M. Mann, on 
"Peer Gynt" by Rev. Celia Parker Woolley, on "The 



56 



UNITY CHURCH. 



Chinese and Japanese War" by Rev. Watari Kitashima,, 
on "Art in Florence" by Miss Bandusia Wakefield, on 
"Man's Place in the Universe" by Rev. H. M. Simmons., 
three courses on Shakespeare, George Eliot, Dickens 
and other noted authors by Rev. James K. Applebee,, 
and a number by Rev. Jenkins Lloyd Jones, among 
which were those on "The Doll's House," "Browning," 
"Millet," "How I am Going to the World's Fair," etc. 

The Circle has always aimed to secure entertain- 
ments of the highest class and those which instruct as 
well as amuse, 

THE ANNUAL FAIR. 

During the first years there were held at intervals 
fairs, or sales. In 1892 it was voted to make this an 
annual feature of the work, and a committee, of which 
Mrs. Call was chairman, was appointed to arrange for 
the same, to be given in November, 1893. The ladies 
spent their leisure time during the summer in making 
fancy work and much care and thought was given by the 
committee for many months in making the fair the suc- 
cess it proved to be. Tables for the sale of fine linen 
embroidery, fancy articles, aprons, bags, dolls, candy, 
fruit, cake, plants and cut flowers were well spread with 
articles useful and beautiful, which netted the society 
nearly $300. The next fair was held in December, 1894, 
and was in charge of Mrs. Yutzy. Some new features, 
consisting of tables for the sale of blanket bath robes 
and decorated books were added. For the book table 
the committee printed "Co-Workers with God, or Man's 
Part in Evolution," a sermon contributed by Miss Saf- 
ford, of which many copies were sold. These were bound 
in heavy white paper, decorated by hand and' made 
beautiful Christmas cards. This fair netted something 
over $400. The fairs have certainly been very success- 



UNITY CHURCH. 



5 7 



fill financially, and not, we are glad to say, at the sacri- 
fice of business principles. Raffles and similar forms of 
gambling, and all other subterfuges so common at church 
sales, have been religiously excluded, the aim being 
always to give a fair return for money expended. The 
revenue of the Circle is further increased by a collection 
taken at each meeting, not more than 5 cents being ex- 
pected from each one present. 

MUSIC AND THE ORGAN. 

After this chronicle of some of the means employed 
to raise money, the question naturally follows, "For 
what purpose is this money expended ?" One would 
better ask, "For what is it not expended ?" which would 
take much less space to answer. In the first years, 
when the church home was on Sixth street, besides 
adding constantly to the church furnishing, the church 
paid nearly, if not quite all, of the $900 borrowed from 
the Church Building Loan Fund, besides many dollars 
that went for the church music. The ladies have always 
felt, with the ministers and trustees, that good music 
is a necessary part of the church service; that it is a 
religious duty to furnish good music if any at all, and so 
have, when necessary, paid a generous share of the ex- 
pense involved in securing it. Since coming into the 
new church the Circle has bought and paid for all furni- 
ture, carpets, curtains, hardware, china, silver, glass and 
linen, excepting only the chairs in the audience room 
and such other articles as have been or are here men- 
tioned as gifts. The large central pulpit chair, was given 
by Mrs. Groninger, in memory of her son, Fritz. The 
drapery in the upper parlors was bought with a collec- 
tion taken by Mrs. Charles and Mrs. Follett, who were 
also the largest contributors to it. 

The largest undertaking of the Circle has been the 



58 



UNITY CHURCH. 



purchase of a magnificent pipe organ, costing over 
$3,000. Its full beauty was for the first time brought out 
in January, 1890, when Prof. Henry Roney of Chicago, 
and the boy soprano, Blatchford Kavanaugh. were se- 
cured, and, assisted by the church choir, gave a very tine 
concert. The organ has been an ever increasing joy to 
the people, and under the skillful hands of our present 
organist, Miss Mary Grandy, adds much to the beautv 
of the service. The final payment was made in Decem- 
ber, 1893, the proceeds of the fair held that year being 
devoted to this purpose. Unity Circle celebrated this 
event by giving an oyster supper soon after. What has 
been done in the way of decorating, repairing and clean- 
ing the church, has been paid for and '-'personally con- 
ducted'' by Unity Circle. The committee on floral 
decorations has always been appointed from Unity 
Circle. The beautiful, and often elaborate decorations, 
arranged for the special services, have been the work of 
these committees. 

PHILANTHROPIC WORK. 

The Circle has provided food, money and clothing 
for sufferers by flood in this city, in 1892, besides taking 
their part with other similar organizations in feeding and 
sheltering the sufferers. The ladies met da}- after day 
in the church parlors to make and repair clothing for 
the same. For several years the}' supported an Indus- 
trial School in a portion of the city where children were 
"sadly m need of instruction of this kind. This was in 
charge of Mrs. Mary Fisher and Mrs. Harriet Pierce. 
They have made gifts of aprons, dolls and fancy work 
to societies located all the wav from Calais Maine to San 
Diago California to assist them in raising money for 
church and charitable purposes. When "Religion. Old and 
New," was adopted by the conference and made the state 



UNITY CHURCH. 



59 



paper, and it became necessary for the larger parishes to 
guarantee or pay for a certain number of subscribers, Unity 
Circle subscribed for 200 copies. The committee in 
charge, with the hearty co-operation of the whole Circle, 
succeeded in securing, by the following April, enough of 
these subscriptions and of advertisements to turn over to 
the treasurer a net profit of $25. 

IN MEMORIAM. 

While the Circle has lost a number of members by 
removal from the city, it has in these ten years lost only 
four by death, Mrs, Bostwick, Mrs. Alice Morley, Mrs. 
T. J. Stone and Mrs. Woolworth. On March 13, 1890, 
a Memorial Meeting was held for Mrs. Morley, who had 
served the society so faithfully since its organization, 
and for the last three years before her lamented death, 
had been its president. 

MEETINGS. 

During these ten years the Circle has held 375 
meetings. The total membership has been 136, includ- 
ing five gentlemen. The largest membership in any one 
year was 81 in 1894 and the largest number of members 
present at any one meeting was 50, in 1895. The total 
number of visitors during the ten years has been 978. 
The largest number was in 1893 and 1894, when we had 
evening meetings once a month, when there were 262 
during the year as compared with 142 the following 
year. 

At all these meetings some literary work had been 
done, the program being laid out regularly for each year 
and usually carried out entire. The aim has been to 
vary the program from week to week, so as to interest 
all. The subjects cover a wide range. Among the most 
instructive have been a series of talks by Miss Gordon 
on "Evolution" and the different series, given by 



60 



UNITY CHURCH. 



Miss Safford upon the ''Rise of the Unitarian Move- 
ment," ' 'Orthodoxy and Heresy in the Christian 
Church," and "Sects of the Christian Church." These 
6 'talks" have really been lectures, upon which the 
ministers must have expended a great deal of time and 
thought, and the Circle while thanking them for this 
labor of love, trusts that not all the good seed has fallen 
on stony ground, nor by the wayside. 

The ideal which has been held before the Unity 
Circle by the pastors of this church has not been a low 
one. That it has not reached this ideal is probably as 
true here as in other walks of life, but that it has always 
striven for the best is certainly true. What there is of 
love, helpfulness and fellowship is not a matter of record on 
its books, but must be read in the lives of its members. 

It has united financial work with social helpfulness; 
it has worked, as well as talked. In its entertainments 
it has aimed at its own development as well as the 
amusement of the public. It has tried to do its business 
in a fair, square, upright manner, receiving favors from 
others, it is true, but being as ready to return the same 
when occasion arises. It has truly been the housekeeper 
and the homemaker of the church, with the business 
ability as well as the moral and intellectual culture which 
these two terms imply. It has certainly been one of 
the most important factors in the church life. We re- 
joice that it is such a "goodly company." After its 
meetings we return to our individual cares the braver for 
having been for one short hour face to face with the 
choice spirits of Unity Circle. 

Below are appended the literary programs and list 
of officers for ten years, excepting in each case the first 
year, already given at the beginning of this article. 
There are also added some interesting items of receipt 
and expenditure from the treasurer's report. 



UNITY CHURCH. 



61 



LITERARY PROGRAM. 

1885 — Given above. 

1886 — First Thursday, Moral and Religious Training of 

Children. 

Second Thursday, Frances Power Cobbe's "Duties 
of Women." 

Third Thursday, Clodd's "Childhood of Re- 
ligion." 

Fourth Thursday, papers on Hygiene, Dress, 
Cooking, etc. 

1887 — First Thursday — History of the Jews, Ancient and 

Modern. 

Second Thursday — Lives of Eminent Men and 
Women. 

Third Thursday — Sermons and Scientific Articles. 
Fourth Thursday — Training of Children. 

1888 — First Thursday — Powell's "Heredity from God"; 

Miss Wakefield, leader. 
Second Thursday — Readings from the Poets, 
Mrs. Stone, leader; Literary and Scientific 
News, Mrs. Charles, leader; Discussion of Prac- 
tical Questions, Mrs. Groninger, leader. 

1889 — First Thursday — Practical Questions, with papers 

by Miss Wakefield, Mrs. Charles, Mrs. Need- 
ham, Miss Gordon, Mrs. Fuller, Mrs. Stevens, 
and discussions of the following subjects: 
"Religious Training of Children of Those Who 
Hold the Liberal Faith," Mrs. Smith; "Shall 
Our Girls Be Educated to Self Support," Miss 
Gordon; "The Church and Amusements," Miss 
Safford. 

Second Thursday — News of the Month, Mrs. 
Charles. 

Third Thursday — Readings from the Poets, Mrs. 
T. J. Stone. 



62 



UNITY CHURCH. 



Fourth Thursday — Talks on Evolution, Miss 
Gordon. 

1890 — First Thursday — Famous Chapters from Famous 

Novels, Mrs. Lynn, leader. 

Second Thursday — Readings from the Poets, Mrs. 
T. J. Stone, leader. 

Third Thursday — Articles from Current Maga- 
zines, Mrs. Bucknam, leader. 

Fourth Thursday — Current Events, Mrs. Charles, 
leader. 

1891 — First Thursday — Reading of Poetry, Mrs. Dean, 

leader. 

Second Thursday — Study of the Unitarian Move- 
ment, Miss Safford, leader. 

Third Thursday — Lessons in Natural History, 
Mrs. Helen Moore, leader; Lessons in Hygiene, 
Mrs. Lucy Booge, leader. 

Fourth Thursday — Questions of the Day, Mrs. 
Woolworth, leader; Current Events, Mrs. 
Charles, leader. 

1892 — First Thursday — Poetry, Mrs. Dean. 

Second Thursday — Study of the Unitarian Move- 
ment, Miss Safford. 

Third Thursday — Papers on Famous Philan- 
thropists by Mesdames R. O. Smith, Follett, 
Healy, Patterson, E. J. Peavey, E. C. W. 
Young, Pappe, Greenwood, Bucknam and 
Needham. 

Fourth Thursday — Current Events, Mrs. Charles. 

1893 — This year the meeting was changed to Wednes- 

day. The program was such that it was 
thought best to hold the second meeting each 
month in the evening, so that the gentlemen 
could attend. The papers on "The Ideal 
Church" brought out much frank discussion, 



UNITY CHURCH. 



63 



which proved of great benefit to the members. 
First Wednesday — Poetry or Short Stories, Mrs. 
Dean. 

Second Wednesday — "The Ideal Church," Its 
Organization, Miss Safford; Its Members, 
Miss Gordon; Its Ministers, Judge Wakefield; 
Its Worship, Dr. Smith; Its Finances, Mr. 
Healy; Its Social Duties, Mr. Bucknam; Its 
Philanthropic Work, Miss Wakefield; Its 
Educational Work, Mrs. Lynn; Do we Need 
this Church? Capt. Chase. 

Third Wednesday — "Orthodoxy and Heresy in 
the Christian Church," Miss Safford. 

Fourth Wednesday — Papers on Famous Holy 
Places by Mesdames Groninger, Hiles, Patter- 
son, Robbins, Turnbull, Follett, Ayres, Price, 
Healy and R. O. Smith. 
1894 — First Wednesday — Poetry or Short Stories, Mrs. 
Dean. 

Second Wednesday — Papers on "Saints in the 
Christian Church." Illustrated by photographs 
of famous paintings. Mrs. Pappe, leader. 
St. Michael, Mrs. Peavey; St. Mary Magdalene, 
Mrs. Stockwell; St. Christopher, Mrs. Healy; 
St. Cecilia, Mrs. Price; St. Catherine, Mrs. 
Groninger; St. Jerome, Mrs. Fisher; St. 
Chrysostom, Mrs. Kammann; St. Anthony, 
Mrs. Hiles; St. Francis D'Assisi, Mrs. Rob- 
bins; St. Theresa, Miss Gordon. 

Third Wednesday — Sects of the Christian Church, 
Miss Safford. 

Fourth Wednesday — Reading from Emerson's 
Essays, Miss Wakefield. 



64 



UNITY CHURCH. 



THE OFFICERS FOR TEN YEARS. 

1885 — Given in history of first year. 

1886 — President, Miss Safford; vice president, Mrs. O. H.Pat- 
terson; secretary, Miss Wakefield; treasurer, Mrs. Charles; execu- 
tive committee, Mesdames R. O. Smith, Bucknam, H. M. Pierce, 
Yutzy and E. J. Peavey. 

1887 — President, Mrs. Morley; vice president, Mrs. O. H. Pat- 
terson; secretary, Mrs. R. O. Smith; treasurer, Mrs. Charles; 
executive committee, Mrs. Hiles, Mrs. Caton, Mrs. E. Hoskins, 
Mrs. Badgerow and Mrs. Hamilton. 

1888— President, Mrs. Morley; vice president, Mrs. E. J. Peavey; 
secretary, Mrs, R. O. Smith; treasurer, Mrs. Caton; executive com- 
mittee, Mrs. E. J. Peavey, Mrs. Follett, Mrs. C. K. Smith, Mrs. 
Cromwell and Mrs. L. Ross. 

1889— President, Mrs. Morley; vice president, Mrs. E. J. Pea- 
vey; secretary, Mrs. Anna A. Peavey; treasurer, Mrs. E. H. Stone; 
executive committee, Mrs. Hiles, Mrs. Healy, Mrs. Belden, Mrs. 
McNeil. Mrs. DeLong and Mrs. Moll. 

1890 — President, Mrs. Needham; vice president, Mrs. Skerry; 
secretary Mrs. Healy; treasurer, Mrs. Fuller; executive committee, 
Mrs. Fowle, Mrs. Turnbull, Mrs. Stevens, Mrs. Yutzy, Mrs. Ross 
and Mrs. Hamilton. 

1891 — President, Mrs. Needham; vice president, Mrs. Belden; 
secretary, Mrs. Healy; treasurer, Mrs. Ayres; executive committee, 
Mrs. J. Allen, Mrs. Dean, Mrs. Fisher, Mrs. Chesley, Mrs. S. G. 
Humphrey and Mrs. Barney. 

1892— President, Mrs. Follett; vice president, Mrs. Bucknam; 
secretary, Mrs. Healey; treasurer, Mrs. Ayres; executive committee, 
Mrs. Moll, Mrs. Bevier, Mrs. Ross, Mrs. Hiles, Mrs. Stockwell, 
Mrs. Butterfield and Mrs. Stevens. 

1893 — President, Mrs. Groninger; vice president, Mrs. Follett; 
secretary, Mrs. Nash; treasurer, Mrs. Fisher; executive committee, 
Mrs. Twombly, Mrs. Jandt, Mrs. Kellogg, Mrs. Ruby Humphrey 
and Mrs. Franz. 

1894 — President, Mrs. E. J. Peavey; vice president, Mrs. Gron- 
inger; secretary, Mrs. Young; treasurer, Mrs. Bevier; executive 
committee, President and officers. 

ITEMS OF INTEREST FROM THE TREASURER'S REPORT. 

Total receipts for ten years have been as follows: 

September 17, 1885, to April 1, 1886 .$ 689.36 

April 1, 1886, to April 1, 1887 676.86 

April 1, 1887, to April 1, 1888 573.70 



UNITY CHURCH. 65 



April 1, 1888, to April 1, 1889 1,346.21 

April 1, 1889, to April 1, 1890 1,216.90 

April 1, 1890, to April 1, 1891 831.38 

April 1, 1891, to April 1, 1892 968 77 

April 1, 1892, to April 1, 1893 951.44 

April 1, 1893, to April 1, 1894 1,043.01 

April 1, 1894, to April 1, 1895 1,072.93 



Total $9,370.56 

Total disbursements for ten years $9,326.81 

Balance on hand April 1, 1895 43.75 



Total $9,370.56 

SOME ITEMS OF RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURES. 

Received from suppers at monthly sociables $3,173.53 

Received from lectures 962.67 

Received from concerts 880.09 

Expended for church furnishing 1,163.27 

Expended for organ 3,616.77 

Expended for missionary and philanthropic work 405.10 

Expended for church cleaning 207.34 

Expended for supper expenses . 762.29 



THE HELPING HAND. 

"And to do good and comtnunicate, forget not, and to be 
rich in good works." 

"To give is to live" has been the word of our church 
from the beginning. In educational, philanthropic, and 
missionary work, our society has a worthy record. Its 
members have given generously, not only money, but 
work to lift life to higher levels of thought and feeling. 

That they have always been in the front ranks of 
workers for the public good is plainly shown by the re- 
cords of the various philanthropic and educational asso- 
ciations of the City, where their names constantly appear 
as officers and contributors. Indeed, some of them have 
been compelled to excuse themselves from special church 



66 



UNITY CHURCH. 



work, for months at a time, because their official duties 
in these other organizations for the promotion of human 
well being, have required so much of their thought and 
energy. 

But while so many individual members of the church 
have been devoted workers in the various humane and 
charitable societies of the city, through which a large 
part of its benevolent work has been done, it has also 
contributed to numerous outside causes, whose claims 
have been presented from the pulpit. Thus a lecture by 
Miss Safford on the work of the Pundita Ramabai, pre- 
pared the way for her coming to the city and speaking in 
the church, and the organization of a Ramabai circle of 
one hundred members, part of whom, belonged to other 
churches. Appeals for sufferers by the flood at Johns- 
town, Pa. ; by the drouth in South Dakota; by the famine 
in Russia: and for many other good causes also met 
with generous responses in large contributions that help- 
ed the givers and the church life not less than the recip- 
ients. 

For all the channels of helpfulness through which 
the life of a church goes forth to bless, are channels through 
which richer life returns to it, so that, in blessing it is 
blessed. This certainly has been true of our church in 
its missionary w r ork, which has been especially gratifying. 
From the first it has supported a Church Door, Pulpit, 
and Post Office Mission, through which several thousand 
sermons and papers have been distributed, while mam 7 
letters have been written to isolated liberals by the P. O. 
M. committee. Our Church has also aided in forming 
four Sunday Circles; made yearly contributions to the 
Western Unitarian Conference, Western Sunda} 7 School 
Society, and Iowa Unitarian Association: and made 
direct donations to a number of churches needing assist- 
ance. 



UNITY CHURCH. 



<:>7 



Beginning, during its first year, with a gift of $25 
to All Souls Church, Chicago, it has, since that time 
given larger or smaller sums to twelve different churches, 
in seven different states, from Massachusetts to Califor- 
nia inclusive. 

Not including a number of individual subscriptions, 
to the Endowment Fund of the Western Unitarian Con- 
ference, amounting to over $800, our Church has given 
away, during the ten years of its life, over $3,000, of which 
$820 has been contributed to the Iowa Unitarian Associ- 
ation, $725 to the Western Unitarian Conference, $175 
to the Western Unitarian Sunday School Society, $11 to 
the American Unitarian Association and National Con- 
ference, and $20 to the Women's Western Unitarian Con- 
ference. The remainder has been given directly to in- 
dividuals and societies needing help. But our largest 
contribution to missionary w T ork has been made by foster- 
ing new churches. By sharing with other places the 
time and strength of its ministers, our society, through 
them, has helped to organize five new Churches, all of 
which now have regular preaching. While fully realiz- 
ing that much more might have been done for others, w T e 
think our record creditable, considering that we have 
paid all our own expenses from the beginning, including 
the purchase of a lot and the building of a commodious, 
well furnished church home. 

Save the unsolicited donation of $100 from ladies of 
Dedham, Mass. and the memorial gifts from Miss Faulk- 
ner of Keene N. H., our society has received no outside 
contributions, but has striven to develop its own re- 
sources and to help others. We do not speak of this in 
a boastful spirit, but because much of the prosperity of 
our church has been due to its desire to support itself, 
and not use any of the missionary money greatly needed 
in other places. The more this spirit is developed, the 



68 



UNITY CHURCH. 



more the churches of our faith will prosper, hence we re- 
joice that, so far, our society has been able to realize its 
desire to maintain itself, and hope that during the next 
ten years it will constantly increase in good works. 



THE MINISTERS 5 REPORT. 

' 'Be sure no earnest work 

Of any honest creature, howbeit weak, 

Imperfect, ill-adapted, fails so much, 

It is not gathered as a grain of sand 

To enlarge the sum of human action used 

For carrying out God's ends." 

— Elizabeth Barrett Browning. 

Ten years of thought and love, of work and 
worship ! 

We who have been in Unity church ten years or 
a part of that time know that the best of all that has 
been thought, and said and done, of all that has come 
to us in quiet hours of worship, is written on the soul 
but cannot be transferred to the printed page. 

Were your ministers to state the number of sermons 
preached, the number of calls made and the number of 
meetings attended, how little, after all, these facts would 
tell of what has been accomplished. 

What has been done during the ten years of our 
church life ? 

The men and the women, the boys and the girls 
who have been and who are Unity church must answer. 
The many w T ho are now far away, but who in the past 
brought to it their best and gave willingly to its support 
must answer. And if the answer be complete it must 
include the testimony of those who found its rational 
faith an inspiration while living and a strong, all-sufficient 
support when dying. Yes, this answer must be given 



UNITY CHURCH. 



69 



by all who have been reached and touched, in any way, 
by the influence of our church. It cannot be expressed 
in words, but is found in whatever has been done to 
liberate, uplift and strengthen human lives. 

But while it is true that the 'best of what we have 
experienced in ten years of church life together cannot 
be told, recorded facts concerning it are interesting to 
all to whom the church is dear and will be valuable for 
reference in the future. Most of these facts are to be 
found in the records of the various church societies, but 
some of them are known to the ministers alone, although 
our work has always been so closely inwrought with the 
general life of the church that only a part of it requires 
a separate report. 

For four years the senior minister planned and car- 
ried out her plans alone, with such help as the present 
junior minister could give while busy with her studies. 

For six years the two ministers have planned and 
worked together. What the demands have been upon 
their time and strength is indicated by the report of one 
year's work from April 1, 1893, to April 1, 1894, the only 
year of which they have preserved anything approaching 
a complete record. 

This record shows that the year meant for the 
senior minister fifty sermons and addresses, at home, 
fortv-three sermons and lectures in other places, forty- 
one meetings of the Sunday School, thirty-one of the 
Unity Circle, thirteen of the Unity clubs here and at 
Cherokee and six of the Young People's Union, together 
with three sessions of the Religious Study Class, seven 
funerals, six weddings and fifty different regular or 
special meetings of the church, the Humane society and 
other educational and benevolent associations of the 
city. It meant being president and finance committee 
of the Iowa Unitarian Association, attending two con- 



70 



UNITY CHURCH. 



ferences, making two hundred and twenty-seven calls 
and writing four hundred and thirty-nine letters. This 
makes three hundred meetings attended by the senior 
minister alone. As the year meant an equal amount of 
work for the junior minister, although it was differently 
distributed, since while she preached and lectured only 
forty-eight times she conducted forty Sunday School 
teachers' meetings, twenty sessions of the Religious 
Study Class and was one of the Unity Club leaders, it is 
plain that neither of the pastors had many leisure mo- 
ments. Nor have they been without the inspiration of 
hard work during any one of the ten years that have 
passed away since they came to Sioux City. It was 
their hope from the beginning that a strong church 
might be developed here that would extend its influence 
to many places in the country around it, and the en- 
deavor to realize this hope has necessitated much out- 
side work in addition to that demanded at home. But 
they have rejoiced in your hearty co-operation with 
them in their missionary work, which has been full of 
inspiration, although each of them has had the experi- 
ence of riding forty miles across the country in a carriage 
and preaching three times in one day. The earnest 
faces and eager listening of men and women that came 
from ten, fifteen and twenty miles away to hear our 
glorious gospel could not have failed to gladden any 
speaker's heart, and your ministers are convinced that 
the work at home has counted for far more because it 
has been done as an organic part of the larger work of 
the state. 

For forty-three or forty-four Sundays each year, 
from September 1, to July 1, there have been Sunday 
services here twice a day during most of the time. For 
the last two or three years there have not been regular 
evening services during June and September, but 



UNITY CHURCH. 



71 



enough morning services have been held during the 
vacation to make the average number for the Year 
eighty-five, or eight hundred and fifty for ten years. 

While it is sometimes said that there is no longer a 
demand for doctrinal preaching, this is not true in Uni- 
tarian churches in the west, where our faith is compara- 
tively new, and here sermons on Unitarian beliefs have 
been called for repeatedly and heard by the largest audi- 
ences that have gathered in the church, excepting on 
special occasions. In addition to the five festival ser- 
vices held by the church each year, there have been 
many others in which the choir has taken an important 
part, sometimes singing five or six anthems in one even- 
ing, the anthems as well as the hymns and readings 
having been carefully arranged to harmonize with the 
words of the minister on some devotional theme. These 
vesper services have been of interest to many outside of 
the church and, it is believed, have done much to quicken 
the devotional spirit within it. It is true that some 
have attended them simply to hear the music, but they 
have also heard the rest of the service, and even if they 
had not, the good music in itself would have been help- 
ful, for is not music ''a revelation of the infinite ?" 

Among the different series of sermons and lectures, 
given by the ministers, have been those on Self Culture, 
Problems of Life, Evolution, Rise and Growth of Uni- 
tarianism in America, and Leaders of Religious Thought. 
Memorial services have been held for James Russell 
Lowell, John G. Whittier and George William Curtis, 
as well as for several members of our own congregation, 
and twice, by request of the city posts of the Grand 
Army of the Republic, the senior minister preached the 
sermon at the memorial service for the fallen heroes of 
our civil war, the members of the posts attending in a 
body. 



72 



UNITY CHURCH. 



Many invitations to preach and lecture outside of 
the city have necessarily been declined, but as far as the 
records show, the words of one or both of your ministers 
have been heard at forty-four places, in fourteen differ- 
ent states, as follows: 

Iowa — Keokuk, 5; Davenport, 3; Marshalltown, 1; 
Ames, 4; Des Moines, 15; Perry, 6; Manly, 3; Hum- 
boldt, 34; LeMars, 2; Rock Rapids, 6; Algona, 3; Iowa 
City, 2; Mason City, 1; Storm Lake, 5; Fort Dodge, 1; 
Aurelia, 1; Tilden Township school house, 1; Marcus, 8; 
Ida Grove, 7; Washta, 9; Cherokee, about 80 times. 

Indiana — LaPorte, 1. 

Michigan — Kalamazoo, 4. 

Illinois — Chicago, 9; Sonora, 3; Oakwood, 1 ; 
Geneva, 4; Hamilton, 4. 

Missouri -St. Louis, 2. 

Minnesota — Luverne, 7; Minneapolis, 1. 

Nebraska — Omaha, 12; Beatrice, 1; Winside, 4. 

Colorado — Ouray, 1. 

Utah— Salt Lake City 2. 

South Dakota — Yankton, 1; Sioux Falls, 5, Ver- 
million, 2. 

Pennsylvania — Meadville, 1. 
New Hampshire — Peterboro, 2. 
. Massachusetts — Boston, 1. 
Ohio — Cleveland, 1. 

Of these sermons, lectures and addresses a number 
have been given before literary clubs in different parts 
of the state and at the Iowa x\gricultural College and 
University of South Dakota. One was an address at 
the World's Congress of Women at Chicago; one was 
given before a graduating class of the High School, Lu- 
verne, Minn.; two were dedicatory sermons of the new 
churches at Cherokee and Perry, Iowa, and six were 
conference sermons of the Western Unitarian Confer- 



UNITY CHURCH. 



7 8 



ence, the Minnesota State Conference and the Iowa 
Unitarian Association. One lecture on "The Man Who 
Thinks/' the senior minister calls her conference lecture, 
as it has been of great service in raising money for the 
state conference. 

While your ministers recognize the value of broad- 
cast sowing of good seed, w T e earnestly believe "not 
only in a Unitarian spirit but in a Unitarian body; 
in Unitarianism as a widening movement of ad- 
vanced thought and no less as an organization of divine 
life." For this reason, while occasionally preaching 
here and there in response to invitations, most of these 
invitations have been declined, that in our outside work 
most of our time and energy might be used in develop- 
ing the organic life of the state conference and the 
churches planted by us, with the intention of caring for 
them until they could secure pastors of their own. We 
believe in the organization of churches because these 
training schools for souls are needed not less than the 
diffusion of our liberal thought. 

During the ten years of our church life you have 
had the pleasure of listening to many different speakers, 
who have addressed you from our pulpit by invitation or 
in exchange with us. As far as the records shew these 
speakers have been Revs. Oscar Clute, C. E. Waite, E. 
C. Headle ; J. T. Sunderland, A. M. Judy, Ida C. Hul- 
tin, H. M. Simmons, Kristofer Jansen, J. K. Applebee, 
J. LI. Jones, George Batchelor, Marion Murdock, George 
Willis Cooke, W. E. Copeland, Eliza T. Wilkes, Caro- 
line Bartlen, J. Vila Blake, Mary Leggett, Anna Shaw, 
S. S. Hunting, Leon Harvey, Archibald Ralph, Charles 
Varney, J. R. Effinger, T. P. Byrnes, F. L. Hosmer, A. 
W. Gould, Anna J. Norris, Newton M. Mann, Florence 
Buck, S. P. Marsh, of the Methodist church, and Prof. 
Melville Anderson, Mary A. Livermore, Julia Ward 



74 



UNITY CHURCH. 



Howe, Alice Fletcher, Mrs. C. T. Cole, the Pundita 
Ramabia and B. Nagarkar, of India; Dr, Salter, of the 
Congregational church, Burlington, Iowa, and Drs. 
Rosenau and Franklin, of the Jewish Temple, Omaha. 

Our pleasant relationships with our Universalist and 
Jewish friends, both at home and in neighboring cities, 
have been a source of great satisfaction to us, as have 
also the helpful visits of our Western Conference secre- 
taries, Revs. J. R. Effinger, F. L. Hosmer and A. W. 
Gould, and our old friends in the ministry, Revs. Oscar 
Clute,- Sylvan Hunting, Jenkins Lloyd Jones, and James 
Vila Blake. 

To them and many other friends outside our city 
we are grateful for sympathy and cheering words and 
deeds, while all we owe to you members and friends of 
our home church for your patience and forbearance, 
your cordial support and loving confidence, for the 
beautiful friendship of ten years, can never be told. 
With you we have striven to realize our ideals of wor- 
ship, work and character. With you we have tried to 
do our best, and although our mistakes and failures have 
been many, as we face the future let us be of good 
courage and 

"Scorn not the smallness of daily endeavor, 
Let the great meaning enoble it ever; 
Droop not o'er efforts expended in vain; 
Work, as believing that labor is gain." 



UNITY CHURCH. 



7 5 



DEDICATION OF CHILDREN. 

God guide the little feet, that they may walk in virtue 's path. 

Year after year, on Flower Sunday, parents have 
brought their children to the church and united with the 
minister and congregation, in a simple service of dedica- 
tion. This service has consisted of a short address by the 
pastor, explaining its meaning as a recognition of the 
worth and divine possibilities of childhood, and an ex- 
pression of the desire of the parents to teach and train the 
children aright , -followed by baptism and the gift of white 
rose buds to each child, prayer, a musical benediction by 
the choir, and a song of welcome by the Sunday School 
and church. During the ten years forty-two children 
have been dedicated in the church and one in the home 
of her parents on Christmas day. 

Their names, with dates of dedication, are given 
below, those that have passed away from us being indi- 



cated by a star: 

Louis Edward Hiles , June 27, 1886 

John Peter Haner Jane 17. 1886 

Arthur Bostwick Cunningham J une 27, 1886 

Edna Alice Rockwood June 26, 1887 

Emma Philena Yutzy June 26, 1887 

Bessie Geraldine Leeds July 1, 1888 

Bertha Bessie Moll July 1, 1888 

Clarence James Hamilton , July 1, 1888 

Emily Johnson July 1, 1888 

Edna Leora Mielke June 9, 1889 

Jennie Florence Eldridge .June 9, 1889 

Muriel Charlina Taft June 9, 1889 

Harris Welch Taft June 9, 1889 

*George Rooker Miller June 22, 1890 

Hazel Kirke Barker June 22, 1890 

Fritz Christian Borman June 22, 1890 

Lytta Lynn June 22, 1890 

Dora Lynn June 22, 1890 



UNITY CHURCH. 



Etta Gertrude Fletcher June 14, 1891 

*Daisy Deane Fletcher June 14, 1891 

Bessie Mina Fletcher June 14, 1891 

Roy Warner Fletcher June 14, 1891 

*Harry Lawrence Fletcher June 14, 1891 

Ada Daniels DeLong June 14, 1891 

Hazel lone DeLong June 14, 1891 

Helen Hennessy June 14, 1891 

Bertha Hiles June 14, 1891 

Laura Brady June 14, 1891 

Florence Ward June 14, 1891 

Mina Lucile Faulk . .June 26, 1892 

Carl Fletcher Faulk June 26, 1892 

Margaret Keys Tune 26, 1892 

Charles Keys June 26, 1892 

Charlotte Keys June 26, 1892 

Levi Keys June 26, 1892 

Walter Keys June 26, 1892 

Jeannette Porter Bucknam December 25, 1893 

Troy Edward Himmelman June 17, 1894 

Frederick Henry Himmelman June 17, 1894 

Leroy Bardes June 17, 1894 

Eugenie Bardes .June 17, 1894 

Gladys Franz June 17, 1894 

Charles Borman June 17, 1894 



UNITY CHURCH. 



IN MEMORIAM. 

'"What is excellent, 
As God lives \ is permanent ; 
Hearts are dust, hearts' loves remain. 
Hearts' love will ?neet thee again." 

In its ten years of life Unity church has had shadow 
as well as sunshine, days of sorrow as well as days of 
joy. Sometimes the shadow of parting with near and 
dear friends has fallen upon us without a word of warn- 
ing; sometimes we have watched its slow approach, as 
one sees across the meadows the coming shadow of the 
cloud that will soon obscure the sunlight. 

Memory brings back the face and words of Mrs. 
Alice Briggs Morley, who, without a word of warning, 
was taken from us, while teaching her Sunday School 
class, to which she always brought high thought and 
great spiritual power. Surrounded by those who loved 
and honored her, doing the work that was so dear to 
her, she passed away suddenly, with no time for parting 
words, to fuller, sweeter life beyond. 

And every succeeding year as we gather around our 
family table, at the annual meeting, dear faces are miss- 
ing we have been wont to see; friends who have been 
with us before, are gone. At our last meeting we felt 
bereaved indeed, for the past year had taken from us 
Dr. William R. Smith and Mr. T. »J. Rockwood, who 
had been actively identified with our church from the 
time when it was organized. But thinking of them and 
others who meet with us no more, but whose words and 
deeds were strength and encouragement to us, w T e are 
inspired to go forward with the work their hands laid 
down, for 

"Our Hope and Faith the blest assurance give ; 
We do not live to die ! We die to live !" 



78 



UNITY CHURCH. 



Richard Baird Johnson, aged 2 J une -3, 1886 

John William Haner, aged 17 J une 16, 1887 

Mr. Elbridge T. Chase, aged 51 October 3, 1887 

Carl Pierce, aged 10 September 30, 1887 

Mr. Josiah P. Dennis, aged 55 December 7, 1887 

Mr. G. A. Lubert, aged 3* February 11, 1888 

Frederick William Camille Groninger, aged 13 

May 14, 1888 

Ella Marion Smith, aged 6. . May 19, 1888 

Mr. Fred M. Barker, aged 24 May 23, 1888 

Francis Amelia Hamilton, aged 6 months. .June 17, 1888 

Mrs. Lena Haner Pierre, aged 21 March 20, 1889 

Mr. Eames Forrest, aged 62 October 20, 1889 

Belle Richardson, aged 22 December 23, 1889 

Mrs. Alice Briggs Morley, aged 44 March 2, 1890 

Mrs. Alice Lowder, aged 34. May 26, 1890 

William R. Smith, aged h ..March 19, 1890 

Mr. Joseph W. Lidick, aged 55 May 27, 1890 

Jennie ay MGardner, aged 19 .June 17, 1890 

Gussie Bucknam, aged 14. July 30, 1890 

Gertrude Hoffman, aged 6 September 9, 1890 

Mrs. Sarah F. Cheney, aged 66 . . . .September 14, 1890 

Bertha Holden, aged 2 January 25, 1891 

Mrs. Fredericka Borman, aged 65 . . . .February 13, 1891 

Mrs. Eliza Bostwick, aged 69 May 26, 1891 

Mr. Albert McManus, aged 73 June 22, 1891 

Mrs. Francis A. Stone, aged 5 1 June 29, 1891 

Mr. Benjamin Burnish, aged 63 July 9, 1891 

Bessie Kellogg, aged 7 October 15, 1891 

Mr. Lycurgus Wakefield, aged 38 January 26, 1892 

Charles Walker, aged 7 January 8, 1892 

Millie May Chase, aged 11 October 16, 1892 

Harry L. Fletcher, aged 6 November 1, 1892 



UNITY CHURCH. 



71) 



Daisy D. Fletcher, aged 12 November 15, 1892 

Mrs. Eunice Woolworth, aged 52 ... . December 16, 1892 

Mr. Charles Mielke, aged 32 January 1, 1893 

Hazel Janet Williams, aged 1 [une 10, 1893 

Leslie Magoun, aged 3 January 10, 1893 

Mr. William Reinke, aged 81 December 10, 1893 

Mr. Frederick E. Robinson, aged 85. . December 23, 1893 

Mrs. Thera S. Hubbard, aged 35 October 8, 1893 

Otto Haner, aged 20 November 5, 1893 

Mrs. Hettie Janet Williams, aged 33. .. February 12, 1894 

George Rooker Miller, aged 7 April 10, 1894 

Mr. Rupert Shenkberg, aged 28 January 27, 189j- 

Mrs. Mary J. Oviatt, aged 62 June 8, 1894 

Dr. William R. Smith, aged 65. . . ..... July 1, 1894 

Cornelia Margaret Fuller, aged 1 November 2, 1894 

Mr. Thomas J. Rockwood, aged 70 February 4, 1895 



ANNUAL PARISH MEETING. 

tl it is hard to believe long together that anything is 
'worth while' unless there is some eye to kindle in 
common with our own, some brief word uttered nozv 
and then to imply that what is infinitely precious to 
us is precious alike to another mind" . 

The annual parish meeting of the church has always 
been an occasion of great interest to those connected 
with it. In 1886 this meeting was on the first Wednes- 
day in July, but since that time it has been held on the 
first Wednesday in April. The time was changed be- 
cause of the short evenings and extreme heat, and also 
because it was more convenient to have the annual 
church reports come just before the annual meetings of 
the Western Unitarian Conference and the Iowa Uni- 



80 



UNITY CHURCH. 



tarian Association, which were then held in May and 
June, respectively, and to which this church has always 
made yearly reports. 

To our parish meetings all the members of the par- 
ish, over 16 years of age, are invited and the tables are 
set for over 200 persons. The question has often been 
raised as to what would happen if all the members of 
the parish should be present at one meeting, but so far 
the number has not exceeded two hundred and fifty. 
These could all be seated at once, and when more 
places at the tables are needed we are sure that they 
will be provided for, as some space has not yet been 
used in the lecture room parlors. 

This parish meeting is the home gathering of the 
church, save that the children are not present, as they 
are at the monthly suppers, and it is also the annual 
business meeting of the society. 

After supper, reports are read by the secretaries and 
treasurers of the different societies that are a part of the 
church and by the ministers. The secretary of the 
church then sums up and reports the work of the whole 
church for the year, seasoning facts and figures with so 
much wit and humor and good advice that his report is 
always looked forward to as a literary treat, despite his 
frequent allusions to the need of more money. After the 
reports, officers and standing committees are selected for 
the ensuing year, all other necessary business is tran- 
sacted and the rest of the evening is given up to short 
addresses and mutual congratulations and admonitions. 

Special programs were prepared for the Fifth and 
Tenth anniversaries, and these are given below. 

Freedom, Fellozvship and Character in Religion. 

FIFTH ANNIVERSARY. 

"Lengthen thy cords and strengthen thy stakes." 



UNITY CHURCH. 



81 



BUSINESS MEETING, 6:30 P. M. 

supper 7:30 p. m. 

Greeting Rev. Mary Safford 

Letters J £ ev - 9 sc 0 a ^ T ? lute ' 

j Rev. S. S. Hunting 

SENTIMENTS AND RESPONSES. 

Our Church Dr. W. R. Smith 

"First the blade, then the ear, after 
that the full corn in the ear." 

Our Absent Ones 

It singeth low in every heart, 

We hear it each and all — 
A song of those who answer not, 

However we may call; 
They throng the silence of the breast, 

We see them as of yore — 
The kind, the brave, the true, the sweet, 

Who walk with us no more. 

More home-like seems the vast unknown, 

Since they have entered there; 
To follow them were not so hard, 

Wherever they may fare. 
They cannot be where God is not, 

On any sea or shore; 
Whate'er betides, thy love abides, 

Our God, for evermore. 

Our Sunday School Miss B. Wakefield 

In the children's eyes we read the promise of the future. 

The Junior Unity Club Fred Smith 

Always ready to "Lend a hand." 

The Unity Circle Mrs. Alice W. Fuller 

"Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." 

Our Young Men Samuel Hoskins 

"On, bravely, through the sunshine and the showers, 
Time hath his work to do, and we have ours." 

Our Young Women Gertrude Ross 

May they "Believe the promise of tomorrow, 
And feel the wondrous meaning of today." 



82 



UNITY CHURCH. 



The Unity Club Mr. A. L. Hudson 

"God is in all that liberates and lifts." 

Our Choir and Organist Mrs. Cheney, 

Miss Fuchs, Mr. Dennis, Mr. Levi. Mrs. Snooks 
"The song — it will stay. 
Where first it did start, 
In a heart. " 

Our Church Officers Mr. G. R. Badgerow 

"Toiling much, enduring much, fulfilling much.' 

The Morning Side Church Ma]. J. T. Cheney 

"Measure not the work 
Until the day's out and the labor done." 

The Faith We Cherish Rev. Elinor Gordon 

1 'With wider view come loftier goal ! 

With broader light more good to see ! 
With freedom, more of self control ! 

With knowledge, deeper reverence be ! 
Anew we pledge ourselves to Thee, 

To follow where Thy truth shall lead: 
Afloat upon its boundless sea. 

Who sails with God is safe indeed !" 

BENEDICT ION. 



TENTH ANNIVERSARY. 

"Let nothing that is human be left out of my fellowship; let 
nothing that is divine be left out of my faith." 
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3, 1895. 

Birthday Festival Supper 6:30 p. M. 

ANNUAL MEETING. 

TEN YEARS OF UNITY CHURCH— 1885-1895. 
Letters of greeting from absent members and friends. 

SENTIMENTS AND RESPONSES. 

The Beginnings of Unity Church Capt. R. J. Chase 

'■O small beginnings, ye are great and strong, 
Based on the faithful heart and weariless brain." 



UNITY CHURCH. 



83 



From the Old Home to the New 

Mrs. Caroline Groninger. 

"With love for the past, with hope for the future." 

Unity Church in Sunshine and Shadow 

Mrs. Veta Lynn. 

"The shadow on the dial proves the presence of the sun." 
It singeth low in every heart, 
We hear it each and all — 
A song of those who answer not, 

However wei may call: 
They throng the silence of the breast; 

We see them as of yore — 
The kind, the brave, the true, the sweet, 

Who walk with us no more. 
More home-like seems the vast unknown, 

Since they have entered there; 
To follow them were not so hard, 

Wherever they may fare. 
They cannot be where God is not, 

On any sea or shore; 
Whate'er betides, thy love abides, 
Our God, for evermore. 

Ten Years of Worship, Thought and Work: 

The Church Services Mr. J. C. C. Hoskins. 

Our Faithful Organist and Choir 

Miss Grandy, Miss Fuchs, Mrs. Drake, Mr. Cun- 
ningham, Mr. McCray. 

The Sunday School Mrs. Belle Gambs. 

The Young People's Religious Union. Mr. J. J. Sayer. 

The Unity Circle Mrs. Viola Follett . 

The Unity Club Mr. George Conway. 

The Churches of Our Planting: 

"Thine be the seed time: God alone 
Beholds the end of what is sown." 

Cherokee Unity Church Dr. J. G. Biller. 

Washta Unity Society Mr. Horace Ferrin. 

Ida Grove Unity Society Mr. J. W. Reed. 



84 



UNITY CHURCH. 



What of the Future ? ' Mr. G. B. Healy. 

' 'Man's perfection is the crowining flower toward which the 
urgent sap in life's great tree is pressing." 
"The Double U: Universalism and Unitarianism, " 

Mr. J. A. Dean. 

"The flowers on altars are of many species, but all 
worship is one." 

The Church Universal Rev. A. W. Gould. 

One holy Church of God appears The Truth is her prophetic gift, 
Through every age and race, The Soul her sacred page; 

Unwasted by the lapse of years, And feet on mercy's errands swift 
Unchanged by changing place. Do make her pilgrimage. 

The Fifth Anniversary program was carried out as 
printed, the choir responding to the sentiment in its 
honor by several musical selections, while all present 
rose and sang the beautiful words printed as a response 
to "Our Absent Ones." 

At the Tenth Anniversary Mr. Eri Richardson took 
Mr. Hoskins' place on the program, as the latter was 
not able to speak. Mr. Gould of Chicago could not be 
with us and letters and messages of greeting from "The 
Churches of Our Planting" took the place of the 
speeches we had hoped to have from representatives of 
these churches, who were unable to be present. 

As all the reports at the business meeting had been 
encouraging, showing that, despite the great business de- 
pression in the city, the membership of the church had 
increased, the debt had been reduced $300, and there 
was a balance in the treasury; at the end of the first de- 
cade of its existence the society felt that it had indeed 
reason to be grateful for the past and hopeful for the 
future. 



UNITY CHURCH. 



85 



IMPORTANT DATES. 



First service in Court House February 1, 1882 

Appointment of committees on Church and Sunday School 

organization February 8, 1885 

Decision made to' purchase and remodel skating rink 

.February 20, 1885 

Adoption of Articles of Incorporation. . March 11, 1885 

Transformed skatiug rink dedicated as a church. .... .April 5, 1885 

First service conducted by Miss Safford May 24, 1885 

Miss Safford called to pastorate of church J une 14, 1885 

State Conference met in the church July 1-5, 1885 

Miss Safford began her pastorate September 1, 1885 

Unity Circle organized September 18, 1885 

Unity Club organized November, 1885 

Thanksgiving offerings to pay floating debt November 29, 1885 

First signing of Bond of Union January 18, 1886 

Purchase of church lot of William Wells November, 1886 

Purchase of lot on which church was built May, 1887 

Sale of William Wells lot for $12,000 April, 1888 

Sale of first church home April, 1888 

Contract let to build new church July 16, 1888 

First meeting in lecture room of new church. . December 28, 1888 

First service in auditorium of new church .March 17, 1889 

The new church home dedicated May 5, 1889 

State Conference met in church May 5-8, 1889 

Ordination of Miss Gordon May 8, 1889 

Dedication of the pipe organ December 22, 1889 

Frescoing of the church, summer of 1889 

State Conference met with church October, J 894 

Electric lighting of church November, 1894 



86 



UNITY CHURCH. 



NOTES, HINTS AND REMINISENCES. 

Cut in the stone above the entrance to our church 
is the one word — Unity. This name has grown so dear 
to us that, although our society was incorporated as 
"The First Unitarian Church," it is generally spoken of 
as "Unity Church." 

The financial management of Unity church is con- 
ducted on business principles. Regular revenues are 
from two sources: First, from subscriptions that are 
payable the first of each month and, second, from col- 
lections taken at every Sunday service. The Sunday 
collection is a new feature, as during the first eight years 
of the organization no collections were taken, save for 
special missionary and charitable work. 

In our church everyone who does all he is able to 
do, pays for what he gets, but no one gets all he might 
receive who does not do what he can, for a large part of 
the benefit received from a church comes through the 
individual effort and self-sacrifice made in its behalf. 

Every child in the parish should be a member of 
the Sunday School, and all older persons able to attend 
are not "too old" to receive great benefit from constant 
attendance and careful preparation of the valuable les- 
sons. In 1896 the school will complete the lessons on 
"The Growth of Christianity" and begin the study of 
"The Flowering of Christianity" or the rise and growth 
of the liberal Christian movement and its tendency 
toward a universal religion. 

The largest audience that ever assembled in our 
church was present at the dedication of the pipe organ, 
when about 700 people filled the auditorium, gallery and 
parlors to overflowing. 



UNITY CHURCH. 



87 



The smallest Sunday audience was present one 
evening, January 3, 1886, when a terrible blizzard was 
raging and only thirteen, including the minister, ventured 
out. Mr. Bucknam led the singing. 

The average congregation for the past ten years has 
been about 250. 

The hour of the Sunday morning service is 10:30 
and the service always begins promptly at the time an- 
nounced. The hymns and responsive readings, and choral 
responses are the voice of the congregation. Everyone 
who is present at the beginning of the service and 
heartily joins in it contributes much to its value. 
Strangers attending the services are cordially invited to 
introduce themselves to the ministers. 

It has been the custom of the senior minister of the 
church in announcing the hymns to say, "Let us all sing 
together." A member of the church once remarked that 
if she would only omit the together" he would try to 
sing. It was "together" which made him afraid to try. 

The members of the parish lose much if they do 
not remain after the morning service to greet one another 
and welcome all strangers. 

The pictures in the lecture room of the church, were 
given by different classes in the Sunday School, at the 
Christmas festival in 1889, and at the same time Miss 
Wakefield's class presented the picture of Miss Safford 
that hangs in the parlor. 

Study this little book carefully. Keep it for refer- 
ence. Consult the parish list often and see how many 
of your brothers and sisters in the church are personally 
known to you. Ask yourself what you can do to help 



88 



UNITY CHURCH. 



during the coming year. Consider the hints and give 
some to the ministers and trustees that will be useful to 
them. 

Unity Circle pays for 200 subscribers to Old and 
New, our state and parish paper.' Let us have 200 actual 
subscribers in the parish for 1896. Send your names to 
Mrs. Melida Pappe, 1501 Nebraska street. As yet the 
paper does not quite pay expenses and the editorial 
work is all given by busy ministers. The paper is of 
great service in diffusing liberal thought and promoting 
fellowship among the liberal workers in the state. Will 
you not help in making it of still greater service by pay- 
ing for several copies and having them sent to friends? 

The pulpit drop light, and the christening service in 
memory of Gussie Bucknam, were given to the church 
by the "Willing Workers" and the "Happy Helpers," 
two clubs of younger members of the Sunday School 
conducted by Mrs. Maris Peirce, Miss Gertrude Ross 
and Mrs. H. C. Young. 

This church, in every way, has sought to promote 
the spirit of true patriotism among all who come within 
its influence and its walls. To this end each year 
patriotic services have been held. Song, hymn and ap- 
propriate addresses preceding each Memorial Day have 
tended to awaken and renew the love of country. On 
all these occasions, and in fact on many more, the beau- 
tiful arrangement of flowers and flags has borne tribute 
also to the artistic taste, the skill and faithful service of 
Mrs. H. C. Moll. In season, and out of season, she has 
made such work a labor of love, ably assisted by her 
husband, so that whenever we see these graceful effects 
of flowers and flags we are led to suspect that behind 
them is the devoted work of Mrs. Moll. 



UNITY CHURCH. 



89 



The fact that the Roman Catholic church is 4 'just 
across the way from Unity has not only caused many to 
speak of the close promixity of "Rome and reason," but 
has also led to friendly exchanges between the members 
of the two choirs, while several times Unity has been 
mistaken for the Catholic church. One Saturday even- 
ing when Judge Wakefield and Miss Gordon were 
among the early arrivals at the Unity Clnb, a stranger 
entered, and looking at the judge, asked if he were the 
priest. The judge assured him that he was not, but 
pointing to Miss Gordon across the room, said the priest 
was over there. The stranger opened his eyes very 
wide, glanced about him, saw his mistake and hurriedly 
'said "good night." 

When Mr. Turnbull gave two hundred fans to the 
church he did not know that any part of his gift would 
be photographed, but see picture of the auditorium. 

Form of bequest: "To the First Unitarian Church 
of Sioux City, incorporated under the laws of the state 
of Iowa, I give and bequeath, etc." 

Papers and pamphlets in the rack, on your right as 
you enter the church, are for free distribution. Take 
and give. 

Moral and spiritual training is the primary object 
for which this church exists, but the soul is enlarged by 
kindly social intercourse as well as by study and wor- 
ship, hence the great value of our monthly social gath- 
erings. Try and attend them all. 

The ministers already have several parish assistants 
who volunteered to help them and render most efficient 
service. There is room for more. 



90 UNITY CHURCH. 



All the seats in our church are "free" for attendants 
to sit where they wish, but whatever is worth having 
costs, and even 7 one will feel better if he pays w 7 hat he 
can, not allowing pride to prevent a subscription of $5 
because the next neighbor is able to give $200. 

One of the members of this church, Mr. A. L. Hud- 
son, having taken the divinity school course at Harvard, 
has accepted a call to the pastorate of the Unitarian 
church at Salt Lake City. Another member will com- 
plete her University course next year and will then enter 
a divinity school in preparation for the ministry. Three 
other members have the same profession in view. 

So far as known, when Miss Safford exchanged w 7 ith 
Dr. Rosenau of the Jewish congregation at Omaha, No- 
vember 8, 1890, no woman minister had ever before been 
invited to preach in a Jewish temple. 

When we think how the holiness of beauty has en- 
riched our Sunday services during the past ten years, w T e 
realize what we owe to Mesdames Charles, Groninger, 
Caton, Prugh, Healy, Phillips, Humphrey, Ross, Hiles, 
Messrs. Wm. Smith and Breun, Miss Blanche Barney 
and many others, who have shown great interest in con- 
tributing, procuring and arranging flowers for the pulpit 
platform and church parlors. 

The onty way to feel at home in the church is to 
help bear its burdens and do its work. While the 
church owes cordiality to newcomers they also have 
duties to the church and should meet it half way. 

The church has had most faithful service from Mr. 
O. P. McCray and his assistant ushers, Messrs. Ray 
Phillips, O. W. Harvey, S. B. Hoskins, Amos Ayres, 



UNITY CHURCH. 



91 



Fred Smith, Fred Sawin, Frank McCray, George Be- 
vier, Floyd Follett, Alfred Young, Maxwell Silver and 
others. 

Many reasons made it seem best to discontinue 
preaching at Morning Side and not to try to build a 
church there. Among these reasons were the removal 
of several interested families and the building of the 
Elevated road, which made it much easier for members 
and friends to attend the mother church. 



OUR CHURCH HOME. 

The photogravures in this manual give a fair pre- 
sentation of its exterior and of that part of the auditor- 
ium containing the pulpit and organ. Located on the 
southeast corner of Tenth and Douglas streets, fronting 
west on Douglas 50 feet and north on Tenth 110 feet, 
the building occupies a fine position on one of the best 
streets in our city. Hard red quartzite of South Dakota 
is used for the tower on the corner and all of the first 
story, over which is the frame superstructure, planned 
more for convenience, comfort and use than for ecclesias- 
tical effect. Broad stone steps on the Douglas street front 
lead to the entrance hall, from which wide stairways 
lead to the auditorium, parlor and gallery above, and 
also to the commodious lecture room and other rooms in 
the basement. The auditorium is furnished with up- 
holstered chairs, which will seat nearly four hundred 
people, while the church parlor in front of and opening 
into the auditorium and the gallery so add to the seating 
capacity that an audience of at least six hundred can be 
accommodated. The admirable arrangement of the 
parlor in front of the auditorium, and opening also into 



92 



UNITY CHURCH. 



the main entrance hall, affording, with its fire-place 
and other furnishings, a fine meeting place for social 
greetings among the congregation after service, has done 
much to foster the social life of the church and make 
its members feel truly at home. 

Equally helpful and convenient has proved the 
large lecture room, with kitchen, toilet rooms, and 
two parlors adjoining. In this large room have 
been held the many parish suppers and church 
sociables, where two hundred or more people have been 
able to sit down together at one time; while the stage, 
with its drop curtain and scenery, tastefully arranged, 
and largely due to the generosity, skill and aid of Mr. 
John A. Shipman, has furnished a convenient and at- 
tractive place for concerts and entertainments of many 
kinds, which have been helpful to church life and 
finances. 

All through the building, above and below, large 
windows attest the desire of pastors and people to let 
in the light, while the Roosevelt organ, purchased at a 
cost of $3,000, by its sweet tones serves to promote the 
same harmony which is suggested by the word "Unity" 
carved in the handsome stone placed over the main en- 
trance, a gift from Mrs. John H. Charles, whose thought- 
ful interest and care for the church have been manifested 
in more ways than one. To the careful oversight of Mr. 
Eri Richardson, chairman of the building committee, 
and to his associates, Messrs. Badgerow and J. D. Hos- 
kins, much credit is due for this church home, which 
has served its purpose so truly and so well. 



UNITY CHURCH. 



93 



OUR CHURCH FELLOWSHIP AND 
MEMBERSHIP. 

Unity church stands for freedom, fellowship and 
character in religion. It was dedicated to the reverent 
search for truth, to the promotion of righteousness, to 
the religion of love, to the service of humanity, to God, 
the eternal one. In joining this church persons are not 
required to subscribe to any form of doctrinal belief. 
As shown by our Bond of Union, second page of cover, 
our church is based on a purpose, not on a creed, and 
those in sympathy with our principles and aims may 
unite w 7 ith us by placing their names upon our roll of 
membership. It is our custom to have a welcoming 
service several times a year, when the hand of fellow- 
ship is given to those who express a wish to make our 
purpose their purpose, our church home their church 
home. We earnestly invite all persons in the city and 
vicinity, who are in sympathy with our word and our 
work, to come and help us by attending our services, by 
sharing our responsibilities, by inciting us to more 
earnest efforts to realize our high ideals. We cannot 
think exactly alike; we would not if we could, but 
"We would be one in hatred of all wrong, 
One in our love of all things sweet and fair, 
One with the joy that breaketh into song, 
One with the grief that trembles into prayer; 
One in the power that makes thy children free 
To follow truth, and so be one with Thee !" 



94 



UNITY CHURCH. 



PARISH LIST. 

This list of names is printed for private uses only. 
It contains not only the names subscribed to our Bond 
of Union, but also the names of those who by their at- 
tendance or their contributions have shown an interest 
in our work. Since the organization of the church, 339 
persons have signed the Bond of Union. Of these, 79 
have removed from the city, 11 have died and 8 have 
withdrawn, so that the present resident membership of 
the church is 241. Of thosj who have moved away 31 
still retain their membership in this church, making its 
total membership 272. All over the age of 16 who con- 
tribute to the support of the society are members of it, 
and as there are now 60 thus contributing who have'not 
signed the Bond of Union the present resident voting 
membership of the society is 301. The parish list, un- 
avoidably imperfect, includes the present membership of 
the society and the members of their families who are 
not members of other churches. The number of families 
in the parish is about 160, not counting young people in 
homes and counting two single detached individuals as 
one family. 

(*) Before the name indicates that it is enrolled on 
the church book. 



* Allen, Mr. David and Mrs. Jennie 706 West Fifth Street. 

* Allen, Mrs. Kate S , 800 West Seventh Street. 

Amsler, Mr. John 915 Bluff Street. 

-Andrews, Mr. R. J. and Mrs. Lulu W 1110 Pierce Street. 

Guy Andrews. 
Helen Andrews. 



*Appleton, Mr. S. W St. Aubin Station, Morning Side. 

Miss Annie M. Appleton. 
Ayres, Mr. J. E. and Mrs. Kate L 416 Fourteenth Street. 

*Mr. Amos Ayres. 

*Miss Mary L. Ayres. 



UNITY CHURCH . 95 



^Badgerow, Mr. G. R. and Mrs. Adella 1221 Douglas Street. 

Mr. Egbert Badgerow. 

Ralph Badgerow. 

Harvey Badgerow. 
Bardes, Mr. Fred and Mrs. Julia 2110 Douglas Street. 

Leroy Bardes. 

Eugenie Bardes. 

Barney, Mr. James and *Mrs. Mary. . 910 Douglas Street. 

*Miss Blanche Barney. 
James Barney. 
Frank Barney. 

Barker, Mr. W. F. and *Mrs. Cecilia E 107 West Third Street. 

Bassett, Mr. A. and Mrs. Nora 1723 Dakota Street, 

Miss Mabel Bassett. 
*Belden, Mr. W. S. and Mrs. Evelyn H 2826 Nebraska Street. 

Mr. Howard Belden. 
Bergen. Dr. A. C. and Mrs. Etta D 821 Nebraska Street. 

Theodore Parker Bergen., 
*Bevier, Mr. W. B. and Mrs. Emma S .910 Pierce Street. 

*Mr. George Bevier. 

Benjamin Bevier. 
Booge, Mr. James E. and *Mrs. Lucy B 1316 Douglas Street. 

Miss Laura Booge. 

Miss Josephine Booge. 
*Brach, Mr. H. D. and Mrs. Elise. 209 West Third Street. 

Ella Brach. 

Nora Brach. 



*Borman, Mr. Charles A. and Mrs. Til1ieH..121 West Third Street. 



Fritz Borman. 
Charles Borman, 

Borman, Mr. Christian 323 Water Street. 

*Bordwell, Mr. Elwood Hartington, Neb. 

Bradley, Mrs. Maria Sioux City. 

^Broukhorst, Mr. and Mrs. William 1418 Center Street. 

*Mr. John Broukhorst. 

*Miss Alice Broukhorst. 

Frank Broukhorst. 
Blum, Mr. J. J. and *Mrs. Bertha 518 Park Street. 

-Miss Bertha Blum. 

Josie Blum. 

Norma Blum. 



Brown, Dr. R. H Lakeport Avenue Station, Morning Side. 

Brown, *Mr. Frank and Mrs. AlmaH., 1002 West Fourteenth Street. 



96 



UNITY CHURCH". 



*Bucknam, Mr. E. H. and Mrs. Jennie D 1214 Douglas Street. 

*Miss Kate D. Bucknam. 

*Miss Mary L. Bucknam. 

Jeannette Bucknam. 
Burton, Mr. and Mrs. A. H , 1020 Nebraska Street. 



*Bowman, Dr. A. Perry and Mrs. Carrie M. .400 Fourteenth Street. 



Hugh Bowman. 

Myra Bowman. 

Hilda Bowman. 

Gertrude Bowman. 
Breun, Mr. Charles and Mrs. Regina 1413 Pearl Street. 

Miss Anna Breun. 

Miss Helen Breun. 

Mr. Charles Breun. 

Breun, Mr. C. A 1413 Pearl Street. 

Call, Mr. A. F. and Mrs. Lucina 1115 Douglas Street. 

Merrill Call. 

Joe Call. 

^Charles, Mr. John H. and Mrs. Jennie T 721 Pierce Street. 

^Carpenter, Mrs. Amelia 710 Court Street. 

*Caton, Mrs. Gratia R 605 Ninth Street. 

Louis Caton. 

Foster Caton. 

*Chesley, Mrs. H. P. and Mrs. Anna F 2814 Jackson Street. 

*Chase/Capt. R. J. and Mrs. Mary M 1529 Pearl Street. 

Mr. Lucius Chase. 

*Miss Effie Chase 

Ranney Chase. 

^Cheney, Mr. John T. and Mrs. Sylvania 



Mallalieu Station, Morning Side 

*Clough, Mr. H. H. and Mrs. Julia E 921 Jennings Street. 

Horace Clough. 

Cohen, *Mr. J. M. and Mrs. Belle 1012 Douglas Street. 

Miss Sybil Cohen. 
Ruth Cohen. 

Conway, Mr. George and Mrs. Eva 408 Fourteenth Street. 

Stella Conway. 

*Collson, Miss Mary 1212 Pierce Street. 

^Coleman, Mr. Wilbra and Mrs. Margaret. . .406 Fourteenth Street. 
Alice Hook. 

*Colton, George C Carterville, 111. 

Craik, Mr. A. W 519 Fourth Street. 

Crawford, Miss Esther 613 Seventh Street. 

^"Cromwell, Mr Edward 1301 Douglas Street. 



UNITY CHURCH. 



97 



-*Cox, Mr. R. H. and Mrs. Laura B 3205 Jennings Street. 

Harry Cox. 
Elsie Cox. 
Winifred Cox. 

Cunningham. Mr. J. M. and Mrs. Grace S 918 Pierce Street. 

Willie Cunningham. 

Arthur Cunningham. 

Crandall 

*DeLong, Mr. Daniel and Mrs. Lucy 1717 Pearl Street. 

Ada DeLong. 

Hazel DeLong. 

^Dennis, Mrs. Tane S 821 Nebraska Street. 

Dean, Mr. J. A", and Mrs Augusta C 1732 Pearl Street. 

Miss Eva Dean. 

Mr. Orrin Dean. 

DeLand, Mr. Edward and Mrs. Elizabeth. ...811 Eighteenth Street, 

*Dunkel, Mr. D. S. and Mrs. Georgiana 

Corner West Fifth and Sioux Streets. 

Blanche Dunkel. 

*Drake, Mr. Fred and Mrs. Clara B 907 Jackson Street. 

Thurlow Drake. 

Eaton, Mr. F. L. and Mrs. Lillian 1523 Nebraska Street. 

Stanley Eaton. 
Dorothy Eaton. 

Follett, Mr. J. L. and *Mrs. Viola A .1223 Nebraska Street. 

Mr Judson Follett. 

Miss Mary Follett. 

*Follett, Mr. Floyd . . . . .1112 Pierce Street. 

Faulk, Mr. A. J. and *Mrs. Mina L 

St. Aubin Station, Morning Side. 

Mina Faulk. 

Carl Faulk. 

Faulkner, *Mr. George and Mrs 208 South Iowa Street. 

Farnsworth, Mr. W. H Hotel Garretson. 

Ferris, Mr. Frank L. and Mrs. Sarah 1425 Pierce Street. 

Winifred Ferris. 

^Ferris, Miss Josephine - .". .Boston, Mass 

^Fisher, Mr. Henrv and Mrs. Mary B 2123 Pierce Street. 

Fisher, Mr. and Mrs. H. L 2123 Pierce Street. 

^Fletcher, Mr. E. L. and Mrs. Bertha 707 Tenth Street. 

Etta Gertrude Fletcher. 

Bessie Fleteher. 

Roy Fletcher. 

Frances Louise Fletcher. 



98 



UNITY CHURCH. 



*Ford, Mrs. Helen M 99 Perry Street 

-Forrest, Mrs. Minerva E South of Hedges Station, Morning Side- 

Fowle, Mr. Robert and *Mrs. Francis E 1200 Fourth Street. 

*Franz, Mr. F. W. and Mrs. Henriette 110 West Third Street. 

Gladys Franz. 

*Fuchs, Miss Adele 1212 Pierce Street: 

^Fuller, Mr. W. B. and Mrs. Emily L. .1118 West Nineteenth Street. 
Mary Fuller. 

^Fuller, Mrs. Alice.. Omaha, , Neb. 

Gambs, Mr. John W T . and *Mrs. Belle. 613 Omaha Street. 

Leah Gambs. 

Glen Gambs. 

^Garrison, Miss Estelle O . 818 Pearl Street 

^Gilbert, Mr. Irving M Newton, Mass. 

Guenther, Mr. and Mrs. Anton 114 Market Street. 

*Gray, Mrs. Belle Madison Katistell, Mont. 

*Gould, Mr. H. C, and Mrs. Frieda 3635 Jackson Street. 

Charles Gould. 

Harold Gould. 

Gould, Mr. and Mrs. Harriet 416 Fourteenth Street 

"^Groninger, Mr. A. and Mrs. Caroline 714 Pearl Street. 

Greenwood, Mr. Leslie and Mrs. Louisa B . . .714 Nebraska Street. 

*Mr. George B. Greenwood. 

Heman Greenwood. 

*Gunkle, Mr. F. W. and Mrs. Emma C 711 Ninth Street. 

Guernsey, Mr T. P. and Mrs. Mabel 707 Douglas Street. 

May Guernsey. 

^Guernsey, Miss Susie B Chicago. 111. 

*Hoskins, Mrs. Minnie S Palo Alto, CaL 

*Hennessy, Mr. F. D. and Mrs. Annie 503 Ninth Street. 

Helen Hennessv. 

-Hunter, Mr. C. A .... 1419 Fourth Street. 

*Holden, Mr. J. A Pueblo, Colo. 

Humphrey, Mr. James B. and -Mrs. Ruby. . . .610 Nebraska Street. 

■^Humphrey, Miss Maude Yankton, S. D. 

^Hudson, Mr. A. L Cambridge, Mass. 

-Hutchison, Mr. Oscar F. and Mrs. Libbie 312 Ninth Street. 

Verna Hutchison. 
*Hiles, Mr William and Mrs. Lena 611 Pearl Street. 

*Miss Anna M. Hiles. Louis Hiles. 

Charles Hiles. Bertha Hiles. 

William Hiles. 

Emile Hiles. 



UNITY CHURCH. 99 



-Hoffman, Mr. E. J. and Mrs Mary A 308 Ninth Street. 

*Miss Jennie M. Hoffman. 
-Miss Hattie H. Hoffman. 
Lora Hoffman. 
Cornelius Hoffman. 
James Hoffman. 

Hattenbach, Mr. Ludwig and Mrs. Emma L 1301 Pierce Street. 

Himmelman, Margaretha 2131 Douglas Street. 

-Holt, Mr. Annon and Mrs. Rena 2202 Jackson Street. 

Isabel Holt. 

Agnes Holt. 

Howell, Mr. D. E. and Mrs. Margaret , ...Hotel Garretson. 

Isabel Howell. 



-Hoskins, Mr. J. C. C. and Mrs. C. V. B 

Southwest Corner Rebecca and Sixteenth Streets. 



*Mr. Samuel B. Hoskins. 

*Miss Lucy M. Hoskins. 

^Hoskins, Mr. J. D. and Mrs. Emma P. W 816 Pierce Street 

Hitwman, Mr. Harvey H. and -Mrs. Emma W 

. . . : 214 West Third Street. 

-Hamilton, Mr. J. H. and Mrs. Amelia .1015 Pierce Street. 

Carlin Hamilton. 

Harry Hamilton. 

* Hamilton, Mr. Charles and Mrs. Lida C. . . . . . .1015 Pierce Street. 

Clarence Hamilton. 
-Haner, Mrs. Julia 712 Nebraska Street. 

*Miss Emma Haner. 

^Harvey, Mr. Otho W. and Mrs. Allie 114 Main Street. 

*Healy, Mr. G. B. and Mrs. Lizzie B 318 Fourteenth Street. 

"Herman, Mr. Jacob Cedar Rapids, la. 

-Hattenbach, Mr. David and Mrs. Luella B. . . . . .210 Ninth Street. 

Florence Hattenbach. 
-Ingledue, Mr. Jacob S. and Mrs. Martha 1622 Seventh Street. 

George Ingledue. 

-Johnson, Mrs. Helen Hoskins Kenton, O. 

.^Johnson, Mr. R. B. and Mrs. Monica .1717 West Boulevard. 

Emily Johnson. 

Johnson, Dr. J. Perrin . . 709 Seventh Street 

*Miss Dell Johnson. 

-Johnson, Miss Edtth E .118 Market Street. 

-Johnston, Mr. Fred E .805 Tenth Street. 

-Jandt, Mr. C. E. and Mrs. Minnie 1202 Virginia Street. 

Alice Jandt. 

Harry Jandt. Charles Jandt. 



100 



UNITY CHURCH. 



^Kennedy, Mr. James L. and Mrs. M. Lloyd 412 Twelfth Street. 

*Kellogg, Dr. A. C. and Mrs. Laura 1514 Nebraska Street. 

Mabel Kellogg. 

Albert Kellogg. 

-Kimball, Mrs. Myra A..' Chicago, Hi. 

*Kramer, Mr. John 1123 Fourteenth Street. 

*Kammann, Mr. F. W. and Mrs. E. M . .1909 Pierce Street. 

Frederick Kammann. 
Kahn, Mr. Fred and Mrs. Sarah 711 Tenth Street. 

Clarence Kahn. 

*Lynn, Mr. S. F. and Mrs. Veta 1607 Nebraska Street. 

Lytta Lynn. 
Dora Lynn. 

*Lubert, Miss Carrie 514 West Third Street. 

*Miss Jennie Lubert 514 West Third Street. 

William Lubert 514 West Third Street. 

*Leeds, Mr. W. B. and Mrs. Sarah A 2815 Pearl Street. 

Bessie Leeds. 

Lozier, Mr. Charles E. and *Mrs. Grace C 

Mallalieu Station, Morning Side. 

Cleve Lozier. 
Mary Lozier. 

^Lidick, Mrs. Frances 215 Ninth Street. 

*Long, Mr. H. C. and Mrs. Frances R Cambridge, Mass. 

*Magoun, Mr. John A. and Mrs. Libbie A 217 Ninth Street. 

Charlie Magoun. 

Carlton Magoun. 

Magee, Mr. D. A. and Mrs, Adelia. 309 Thirteenth Street. 

Oliver Magee. 

Merrill, Mr. W. F. and Mrs. Clara Hotel Fowle. 

^Mantel, Mrs. Margaret Broukhorst Sergeant's Bluff. 

*McCrav, Mr. O. P 1008 Pierce Street. 

*McCray, Mr. Frank H 1701 Pierce Street. 

*Morley, Mr. Evander 1011 Ninth Street. 

Miss Irma Morley. 
McNeil Mr. H. C. and *Mrs. Marie B 901 Pierce Street. 

Wilbur McNeil. 

*Moll, Mr. H. C and Mrs. Anna M 1317 Pierce Street. 

Bertha Moll. 

*McManus, Mr. A. E. and Mrs. Etta 401 West Third Street. 

*Milchrist, Mr. Wm 309 United Bank Building 

^Miller, Mrs. Mary R 612 Douglas Street 

*Morse, Miss M. Rowena 1917 Nebraska Street. 



UNITY CHURCH. 



301 



*Mielke, Mr. Henry and Mrs. Caroline 

North of Peter's Park Station, Morning Side 

George Mielke. 
William Mielke. 

*Moore, Mr. Silas and -Mrs. Helen W 1415 Pearl Street. 

Helen Moore. 

Milligan, Mr, John and Mrs. Carrie C 1613 Dakota Avenue. 

Nash, Mr. A. F. and *Mrs. Fannie P 1228 Pearl Street. 

Miss Grace Nash. 

Edith Nash. 

Nepper, Mr. L. W. and *Mrs. Louisa .1208 Virginia Street. 

*Needham, Mr. L W. and Mrs. Carrie Racine, Wis. 

*Peavey, Mrs. Elizabeth J 1108 Douglas Street 

*Miss Mecca Peavey. 

Miss Anna Peavey. 

Miss Jennie Peavey. 
"Price, Mr. Wm. G. and Mrs. Mary K Sioux City. 

Kenneth Price. 

^Pierce, Mrs. Prudence Marlton, N. J. 

Pierce, Mr. Maris and *Mrs. Harriet D 1100 Pierce Street. 

*Miss Alice Pierce. 

Miss Mary Pierce. 

Miss Susie Pierce. 
-Prugh, Mr. J. K. and Mrs. Mary 1000 Douglas Street 

Judy Prugh. 

Patterson, Mr. O. A. and -Mrs. Cornelia 708 Pearl Street 

Miss Lelia Patterson. 

Miss Lucy Patterson. 

^Phillips, Mr. R. A. and Mrs. Mary T 112y 2 Cook Street. 

Pappe,' Mr. Julius and *Mrs. Melida 1501 Nebraska Street 

Theodore Pappe. 

Henry Pappe. 

*Petro, Mrs. Kathleen Fort Pierre, S. D. 

^Pierce, Mr. H M .1617 West Second Street 

^Roberts, Miss Nellie 610 Nebraska Street. 

*Rockwood, Mrs. Kate. . 513 .Cook Street. 

Edna Rockwood. 

^Richardson, Mr. Eri and Mrs. Eliza 605 Ninth Street. 

Mr. Leslie Richardson. 

Miss Alice Richardson. 
*Ross, Mrs. Laura Kupper York, Neb. 



102 



UNITY CHURCH. 



*Ross, Dr. G. J. and Mrs. L. J ....1112 Pierce Street 

*Miss Gertrude C. Ross- 
Mr. James Ross. 
*Miss Josephine Ross. 
Helen Ross. 

*Redsall, Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Sarah E Til Fourteenth Street. 

Rose, Dr. T. A Morning Side.. 

Robertson, Miss Mary ....... , ,1315^ Jennings Street. 

Robbins, Mr. O. M. and *Mrs. Bessie 1603 Grand Avenue. 

McKelvie Robbins. 

Edna Robbins. 

Doris Robbins. 

Rinaldo, Mr. Herman and Mrs. Jennie. .1612 Pierce Street . 

Miss Alice Rinaldo. 

Mr. Phil Rinaldo. 

Jeannette Rinaldo, 

*Shoup, Miss Mittie L ...... Hotel Reinhart 

Mr. Joe Shoup 2T Peavey Grand. 

*Spiese, Mrs. Reba.,.. Mt. Vernon, 111 

*Skerry, Mr, E. W. and Mrs Lucy J 1110 Pierce Street. 

"^Miss Carrie E. Skerry. 

*Staley, Mr. George W. and Mrs. M. B 322 West Fourth Street. 

*Slutter, Mr. George L 621 West Eighth Street. 

*Sawin, Mr. Fred C Altruria, CaL 

*Sawyer, Mr. C. N. and Mrs. Cora Sioux City. 

*Sayer, Mr. J. J 111 West Third Street. 

^Sherman, Mr. V. C 1610 Pearl Street. 

*Smith, Mr. Wm. and Mrs. Harriet 

.West Nineteenth and Dakota Avenue. 

Edward Smith. 

Arthur Smith. 

Guy Smith. 

Rebecca Smith. 

Smith, *Mr. Milton Perry and Mrs. Frances M 

1705 Rebecca Street. 

-Smith, Mrs Rebecca O 1613 Rebecca Street. 

Mr. Bert Smith. 

*Smith, Mr. C. K. and Mrs. Annie G . .1913 George Street. 

*Mr, F. Charles Smith. 
*'Stockwell, Mr. Frank J. and Mrs. Fannie. .... .1008 Pierce Street. 

Beatrice Stockwell. 
^Stevens, Mr. W. M. and Mrs. Fannie L 1911 Pierce Street. 

Clyde Stevens. 

Ruth Stevens, 



UNITY CHURCH. 10-3 



*Safford, Mary A 1212 Pierce Street. 

^Gordon, Elinor E 1212 Pierce Street. 

■*Safford, Mr. Henry B Carthage, 111. 

-Snook, Mr. George W 1303 Douglas Street. 

Sokaloff, Mr. and -Mrs. Julia M -302 Nebraska Street. 

Blanche Sokaloff. 

Ruby Sokaloff. 

Raymond Sokaloff. 

*Schnaebel, Mrs. Carrie McNeil. ., 901 Pierce Street. 

^"Shorthill, Lillian E Marshalltown, la. 

Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Shipman , . . .820 Jackson Street, 

Sweetser, Mr. J. N. and Mrs. Ella. . , 2227 Jackson Street. 

Frank Sweetser. 

Edna Sweetser. 

May Sweetser. 

Sears, Mr. Wm. G. and Mrs. Lucy B 312 Seventh Street. 

^Stevenson, Mr. T. J. and Mrs. Ada , 

West Third and Center Streets. 

Schulein, Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Emma 503 Seventh Street. 

Schulein, Mr. Siegmund and Mrs.' Rachel 622 Jackson Street, 

^Stickney, Mr. J. K 1112 Pierce Street. 

^Turnbull, Mr. J. A. and Mrs. Joanna 1413 Rebecca Street. 

Mr. Clair Turnbull. 

Mr. Clark Turnbull. 

Earle Turnbull. 

*Taft, Mr. Fred H. and Mrs. Frances W Santa Monica, Cal. 

-*Tallman, Mr. Silas W 415 Court Street. 

*Townsend, Mrs. B. G 1911 Pierce Street. 

Toy, Mr. James and Mrs. Mary E 1902 Jacks n Street. 

Miss Grace Toy. 

Mr. Fred Toy. 

Carleton Toy. 

-^Wallace, Mr. John. .511 Douglas Street. 

Wallace, Mr. James 511 Douglas Street. 

Wakefield, Hon. George W 805 Ninth Street. 

*Mr. Albert Wakefield. 

Miss Bertha Wakefield. 

*Miss Bandusia Wakefield 805 Ninth Street. 

*Mrs. Mary Wakefield 1623 Rebecca Street. 

*Wood, Mr. Ephraim ?nd Mrs. Elizabeth 410 Tenth Street, 

Mr. Walter Wood. 

Miss Grace Wood. 

*Ward, Mr. A. H St. Louis, Mo. 

Wickwire, Mr. David and *Mrs. Mary 702 Nebraska Street. 

*Miss Laura Wickwire. 



104 



UNITY CHURCH. 



Weatherwax, Mr. H. E. and Mrs. Jennie. . . . 317 Thirteenth Street. 

Clarence Weatherwax. 1 

Maude Weatherwax. 

Robert Weatherwax,. 

Edwin Weatherwax. 
Wilkins, Mr, and Mrs. W. L 2102 Jackson Street. 

Raymond W'ilkins. 

George Wilkins. 

Mabel Wilkins. 

Ethel Wilkins. 

*Weidel, Mrs. Emma ; .1222 Jackson Street. 

Harold Weidel 

*Weintz, Mr. George 218 Tenth Street. 

Westhoff, *Mr. and Mrs. H Morning Side 

Wright, Mr. Craig L 817 Eighth Street. 

*Yutzy, Mr. J. H. and Mrs. Emma 901 Seventh Street. 

Philena Yutzy. 

*Young, Mr. H. C and Mrs Eliza C. Woodward 

1422 Pearl Street. 

*Mr. Alfred Young. 
*Miss Harriette K. Young. 



PAST MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH. 



Abbreviations: 
withdrawn. 
Mr. Benjamin Anderson . . . . . .r. 

Mrs. Andrews w. 

Miss Andrews w. 

Mrs. S. W. Appleton dec. 

Mr. G. T. Behr r. 

Mr. Joseph Berkhimer r. 

Mrs. E. D. Bostwick. ..... .dec. 

Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Brady r. 

Mr. Benjamin Burnish dec. 

Mrs Lulu Sadler Butterfield. .r. 

Mr. W. L. Coates r. 

Mr. and Mrs. Royce Cheney, .r. 
Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Cromwell, w. 

Miss Susanna B. Drake r. 

Miss Lavinia M. Eade r. 

Mr. A. D. Hallock 

Mrs. A. D. Hallock 

Mr. Bruce Fink r. 



r, removed from city; dec, deceased; 



Mrs. Alice Lowder dec. 

Capt. Joseph Lidick dec. 

Mrs. Annie G. Michaelstetter. .r. 

Miss Maggie Manette r. 

Mrs. Eva Milward r. 

Mrs. Alice Morley dec. 

Mrs. Marv J. Oviatt dec. 

Mrs. F. M. Page r. 

Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Pierce. ..w. 

Mr. H. D. Pelle r. 

Mr. Archibald Ralph r. 

Miss Florence Reed r. 

Mr. T. J. Rockwood dec. 

Miss Nettie Roberts r. 

Mr. Guy Savage r. 

Mr. and Mrs. K. Schaeffer r 

Mrs. E. Scougal w. 

Dr. William R. Smith dec. 



UNITY CHURCH. 



105 



Miss Ella Gordon r. 

Mr. W. H. Hall r. 

Mrs. A. L. Harper r. 

Miss Villa Harper r. 

Miss Clara Hinds r. 

Mr. and Mrs. George Keys. . . .r. 

Miss Mary Keys r. 

Miss Maggie Keys r 

Mr. L. A. Kissinger r. 

Miss Helen Kupper r. 

Mr. F. W. Lewder r. 



Mr. and Mrs. J. O. Thompson, r. 
Mrs. Elizabeth Treadway. . . . w. 
Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Twombly, r. 

Mrs. Harriet Tyler r - 

Mrs. Ida C. Whitcomb r. 

Miss Nettie T. Weeks.*. r. 

Mr. and Mrs. Geo. W. Wilson, r. 
Mrs. Eunice Woolworth . . . .dec. 
Mrs. Helen Janet Williams, dec. 
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Worth, .r. 
Dr. Eliza Whitely r. 



THE FAITH AND SPIRIT OF THE UNITARIAN 
CHURCH OF TODAY. 

This faith and spirit are indicated by the following utterances of 
representative bodies: 

THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF UNITARIAN AND 

OTHER CHRISTIAN CHURCHES. 

Preamble of the New Constitution adopted unanimously at 
Saratoga, September 26, 1894: 

The Conference of Unitarian and Other Christian Churches 
was formed in the year 1865, with the purpose of strengthening the 
churches and societies which should unite in it for more and better 
work for the Kingdom of God. These churches accept the religion 
of Jesus, holding, in accordance with his teaching, that practical 
religion is summed up in love to God and love to man. 

The Conference recognizes the fact that its constituency is 
Congregational in tradition and policy. Therefore it declares that 
nothing in this constitution is to be construed as an authoritative 
test; and we cordially invite to our working fellowship any who, 
while differing from us in belief, are in general sympathy with our 
spirit and our practical aims. 

THE WESTERN UNITARIAN CONFERENCE 
Preamble of "The Things Most Commonly Believed Today 
Among Us," adopted May 19 1887: 

Resolved, Thai while the Western Unitarian Conference has 
neither the wish nor the right to bind a single member by declara- 
tions concerning fellowship or doctrine, it yet thinks some practical 
good may be done by setting forth in simple words the things most 
commonly believed today among us, the statement being always open 
to restatement, and to be regarded only as the thought of the majority. 



UNITY CHURCH. 



Therefore, Speaking in the spirit and understanding above set 
forth, we, delegates of the Western Unitarian Churches in confer- 
ence assembled at Chicago, May 19, 1887, declare our fellowship to 
be conditioned on no doctrinal tests, and welcome all who wish to join 
us to help establish truth and righteousness and love in the world. 

And, inasmuch as many peoble wish to know what Unitarianism 
commonly stands for, speaking always in the spirit above set forth, we 
make the following statement of its past history and our present faith. 
OUR HISTORY. 

In this country Unitarians came out from the Con- 
gregational churches of New England some eighty years 
ago — came out as New Protestants, asserting 

(1) The Supremacy of Character above Belief, in 
Religion. 

(2) The Rights of Reason in the use of the Bible 
Revelation. 

(3) The Dignity, as against the Depravity, of 
Human Nature, 

(4) The Unity, not Trinity, of God; the Divinity, 
not Deity, of Christ; and that Jesus was sent as teacher 
to save us from our sins, not as a substitute to save us 
from the penalties of sin. 

Channing was their leader then. Since Channing's 
day belief in the Bible as a miraculous revelation, and in 
Jesus as having any authority save as his word coincides 
with natural reason and natural right, has largely faded 
away among them. This second movement of their 
thought began some fifty years ago; and Emerson and 
Theodore Parker have been their real, though at first 
their unaccepted, leaders in it. 

Today 'few Unitarians but trust free thought and 
trust it everywhere; we only fear thought bound. There- 
fore, our beliefs are still deepening and widening, as 
science, history, and life reveal new truth; while our in- 
creasing emphasis is still on the right life and the great 
faith to which the right life leads — faith in the Moral 
Order of the Universe, faith in all-Ruling Righteousness. 



UNITY CHURCH. 



107 



OUR FELLOWSHIP. 

Ill all matters of church government we are strict 
Congregationalists. We have no "creed" in the usual 
sense; that is, no articles of doctrinal belief which bind 
our churches and fix the conditions of our fellowship. 
Character has always been to us the supreme matter. 
We have doctrinal beliefs, and for the most part hold 
such beliefs in common; but above ail "doctrines" we 
emphasize the principles of Freedom, Fellowship and 
Character in Religion. These principles make our all- 
sufficient test of fellowship. All names that divide 
"religion" are to us of little consequence compared with 
religion itself. Whoever loves Truth and lives the 
Good, is, in a broad sense, of our religious fellowship; 
whoever loves the one or lives the other better than 
ourselves is our teacher, whatever church or age he may 
belong to. So our church is wide, our teachers many, 
and our holy writings large. 

OUR DOCTRINES. 

With a few exceptions we may be called Christian 
Theists: Theists, as worshiping the One-in-All, and 
naming that One, "God, our Father"; Christian, because 
revering Jesus as the greatest of the historic prophets of 
religion; these names, as names, receiving more stress 
in our older than in our younger churches. The general 
faith is hinted well in words which several of our 
churches have adopted for their covenant: "In the free- 
dom of the Truth, and in the spirit of Jesus Christ, we 
unite for the worship of God and the service of man." 
It is hinted in such words as these: "Unitarianism is a 
religion of love to God and love to man; it is belief in 
the humanity of God and the divinity of man; it is that 
free and progressive development of historic Christian- 
ity, which aspires to be synonymous with universal 
ethics and universal religion." But because we have no 



108 



UNITY CHURCH. 



< -creed" which we impose as test of fellowship, specific 
statements of belief abound among us, always somewhat 
differing, always largely agreeing. One such we offer here: 

We believe that to love the Good and live the Good 
is the supreme thing in religion. 

We hold reason and conscience to be final author- 
ities in matters of religious belief. 

We honor the Bible and all inspiring scripture, old 
or new. 

We revere Jesus and all hoi) 7 souls that have taught 
men truth and righteousness and love, as prophets of 
religion. 

We believe in the growing nobility of Man. 

We trust the unfolding Universe as beautiful, bene- 
ficent, unchanging Order; to know this order is truth; to 
obey it is right and liberty and stronger life. 

We believe that good and evil inevitably carry their 
own recompense, no good thing being failure, and no 
evil thing success; that heaven and hell are states of 
being; that no evil can befall the good man in either life 
or death; that all things work together for the victory of 
Good. 

We believe that we ought to join hands and work to 
make the good things better and the w T orst good, count- 
ing nothing good for self that is not good for all. 

We believe that this self-forgetting, loyal life awakes 
in man the sense of union, here and now, with things 
eternal — the sense of deathlessness; and this sense is to 
us an earnest of the life to come. 

We worship One-in-All — that Life whence suns and 
stars derive their orbits and the soul of man its Ought — 
that Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the 
world, giving us power to become the sons of God — that 
Love with whom our souls commune. This One we 
name — the Eternal God, our Father. 



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